I've

¹ American  

[ahyv] / aɪv /

1. contraction of I have.

---

-ive ² American  

1. a suffix of adjectives (and nouns of adjectival origin) expressing tendency, disposition, function, connection, etc..

   active; corrective; destructive; detective; passive; sportive.

---

-ive ¹ British  

suffix

1. (forming adjectives) indicating a tendency, inclination, character, or quality

   divisive

   prohibitive

   festive

   massive

2. ( forming nouns of adjectival origin )

   detective

   expletive

---

I've ² British  

/ aɪv /

contraction

1. I have

---

Usage

See contraction.

Etymology

Origin of -ive

< Latin -īvus; in some words, representing French -ive, feminine of -if

Example Sentences

"I've been talking and watching so much boxing for the past couple of months," Riakporhe said.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“Once I’ve made a deal, I always come up with at least a half dozen approaches to making it work because anything can happen.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

If I’ve learned one thing over the last 18 years I’ve covered Coachella, it’s that dehydration is serious business.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

David, whose name I’ve changed because he is still serving, is a lieutenant colonel and physician in the Army Reserve.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

I find Hannah again, and sing to her, the words I’ve always been too afraid to say.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith