desiderative

[ dih-sid-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv ]

adjective

1. having or expressing desire.
2. Grammar. (of a verb derived from another verb) expressing desire to perform the action denoted by the underlying verb, as Sanskrit pi-patiṣ-ati “he wishes to fly” from pát-ati, “he flies.”

noun

1. Grammar. a desiderative verb.

desiderative

/ dɪˈzɪdərətɪv /

adjective

1. feeling or expressing desire
2. (in certain languages, of a verb) related in form to another verb and expressing the subject's desire or intention to perform the act denoted by the other verb

noun

1. a desiderative verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of desiderative¹

From the Late Latin word dēsīderātīvus, dating back to 1545–55. See desiderate, -ive

Example Sentences

Reduplication was further adapted to the expression of intensity and desire (in the so-called intensive and desiderative forms).

From Project Gutenberg

Associated words: desiderative, desideratum, orectic, optative.

From Project Gutenberg