constative

[ kuhn-stey-tiv ]

/ kənˈsteɪ tɪv /

Philosophy, Linguistics

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adjective

(of an utterance) describing a state of affairs; making a statement that can be said to be true or false.Compare performative (def. 1).

noun

a constative utterance.Compare performative (def. 4).

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

Words nearby constative

constant of integration, constant positive pressure breathing, constant region, constant-velocity joint, constatation, constative, constellate, constellation, conster, consternate, consternation