conative

American  

[kon-uh-tiv, koh-nuh-] / ˈkɒn ə tɪv, ˈkoʊ nə- /

adjective

1. Psychology. pertaining to or of the nature of conation.

2. Grammar. expressing endeavor or effort.

   a conative verb.

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noun

1. Grammar. a conative word, affix, or verbal aspect.

conative British  

/ ˈkɒnətɪv, ˈkəʊ- /

adjective

1. 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

2. of or relating to conation

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Etymology

Origin of conative

First recorded in 1680–90; conat(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

Psychologically it is an induced state in which the field of consciousness is greatly contracted: the whole of the self, its conative power, being sharply focussed, concentrated upon one thing.

From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 1 by Eliot, Charles, Sir

With this "conative act," as the psychologists would call it, the true contemplative life begins.

From Practical Mysticism A Little Book for Normal People by Underhill, Evelyn

Now it is impossible to observe the instinctive routine of the parents, when the young need attention, without being impressed with the conative aspect of their behaviour.

From Territory in Bird Life by Howard, H. Eliot

Physical Reality thus conceived is consistently thinkable as co-existent with the thing-in-itself—be it ultimately Intelligence or Volition—of which our cognitive and conative existence is a manifestation.

From Essays Towards a Theory of Knowledge by Philip, Alexander

Present tense, 259; —— gnomic, 259, 1; —— conative, 259, 2; —— historical, 259, 3; —— with jam prīdem, jam diū, etc.,

From New Latin Grammar by Bennett, Charles E. (Charles Edwin)