conative
Americanadjective
-
Psychology. pertaining to or of the nature of conation.
-
Grammar. expressing endeavor or effort.
a conative verb.
noun
adjective
-
grammar denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to indicate the effort of the agent in performing the activity described by the verb
-
of or relating to conation
Etymology
Origin of conative
First recorded in 1680–90; conat(ion) + -ive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Third, an efferent or conative part through which it gives rise to a characteristic type of conduct.
From The Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Volume 10 by Various
The third Brook of Grace irrigates the conative powers of the self; strengthens the will in all perfection, and energises us anew.
From Ruysbroeck by Underhill, Evelyn
As to sentiments and emotions, they involve ideas and conative elements in addition to sensations and feelings.
From The Psychological Origin and the Nature of Religion by Leuba, James H. (James Henry)
The growth of the sentiments is of the utmost importance for the character and conduct of individuals and of societies; it is the organization of the affective and conative life.
From Introduction to the Science of Sociology by Park, Robert Ezra
Another less common use of the word is to describe the pleasant or painful sensations which accompany muscular activity; the conative phenomena, thus regarded, are psychic changes brought about by external causes.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 7 "Columbus" to "Condottiere" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
