complementizer

[ kom-pluh-muhn-tahy-zer ]

noun

, Linguistics.

1. an element or elements marking a complement clause, as that in We thought that you forgot, for … to in For you to go all the way there would be silly, or possessive … -ing in Barbara's leaving so early worried them.

complementizer

/ ˈkɒmplɪmənˌtaɪzə /

noun

1. generative grammar a word or morpheme that serves to introduce a complement clause or a reduced form of such a clause, as that in I wish that he would leave

Word History and Origins

Origin of complementizer¹

complement + -ize + -er ¹