optative Meaning & Definition
What Does Optative Mean?
Optative is an adjective that means Expressing a wish or a choice. It is also used to mean Related or pertaining to the optative mood. As a noun, it means A mood of verbs found in some languages (e.g. Sanskrit, Old Prussian, Tamil, and Ancient Greek, but not English), used to express a wish. As a noun, it means (grammar) A mood of verbs found in some languages (e.g. Sanskrit, Old Prussian, Ancient Greek), used to express a wish. English does not have inflectional optative forms.
Optative at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈɒptətɪv// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | optative mood |
| Plural | optatives |
| Comparative / superlative | more optative, most optative |
Optative Definition (Adjective)
- Expressing a wish or a choice.
- Related or pertaining to the optative mood.
Optative as a Noun
- A mood of verbs found in some languages (e.g. Sanskrit, Old Prussian, Tamil, and Ancient Greek, but not English), used to express a wish.
- A verb or expression in the optative mood.
Noun
- (grammar) A mood of verbs found in some languages (e.g. Sanskrit, Old Prussian, Ancient Greek), used to express a wish. English does not have inflectional optative forms.
- (grammar) A verb or expression in the optative mood.
Adjective
- (grammar) Related or pertaining to the optative mood.
Synonyms of Optative
Optative synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Optative
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Optative in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
optative (comparative more optative, superlative most optative)
optative (plural optatives)
Origin of Optative
From Middle French optatif, from Late Latin optātīvus, a calque of Ancient Greek εὐκτική (euktikḗ, “related to wishing”), from Latin optātus, past participle of optāre.
Pronouncing Optative
The standard pronunciation of optative is //ˈɒptətɪv//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Optative
Is optative an adjective or a noun?
Optative is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for optative?
Close synonyms of optative are optative mood. See the full list of optative synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of optative?
The plural of optative is optatives.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of optative?
The comparative form is more optative and the superlative form is most optative.