Dictionary.com

imperfective

[ im-per-fek-tiv ]
/ ˌɪm pərˈfɛk tɪv /
Grammar
Save This Word!

adjective

noting an aspect of the verb, as in Russian, that indicates incompleteness of the action or state at a temporal point of reference.

noun

the imperfective aspect.
a verb in this aspect.

QUIZZES

QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!

Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between it’s and its in this crafty quiz!
Question 1 of 12
On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
it's
its
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of imperfective

First recorded in 1670–80; imperfect + -ive

Words nearby imperfective

imperfect competition, imperfect flower, imperfect fungus, imperfectible, imperfection, imperfective, imperfect stage, imperforate, imperforate anus, imperforation, Imperia
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

British Dictionary definitions for imperfective

imperfective
/ (ˌɪmpəˈfɛktɪv) grammar /

adjective

denoting an aspect of the verb in some languages, including English, used to indicate that the action is in progress without regard to its completionCompare perfective

noun

  1. the imperfective aspect of a verb
  2. a verb in this aspect

Derived forms of imperfective

imperfectively, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Get Online Help For Kids!