constative

[ kuh n-stey-tiv ]

/ kənˈsteɪ tɪv /

Philosophy, Linguistics

adjective

(of an utterance) describing a state of affairs; making a statement that can be said to be true or false.

noun

a constative utterance.

Nearby words

constantine xi palaeologus, constantinople, constantinopolitan creed, constanţa, constatation, constative, constellate, constellation, conster, consternate, consternation

Compare performative.

Origin of constative

1900–05; probably < French constat(er) to affirm, verify (apparently verbal derivative of Latin constat (it) is apparent, 3rd singular present of constāre; cf. constant) + -ive