optative

[ op-tuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. designating or pertaining to a verb mood, as in Greek, that has among its functions the expression of a wish, as Greek íoimen “may we go, we wish we might go.”

noun

1. the optative mood.
2. a verb in the optative mood.

optative

/ ˈɒptətɪv /

adjective

1. indicating or expressing choice, preference, or wish
2. grammar denoting a mood of verbs in Greek, Sanskrit, etc, expressing a wish

noun

1. grammar
   1. the optative mood
   2. a verb in this mood

Other Words From

• opta·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of optative¹

1520–30; < Late Latin optātīvus, equivalent to Latin optāt ( us ) (past participle of optāre; opt, -ate ¹ ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of optative¹

C16: via French optatif, from Late Latin optātīvus, from Latin optāre to desire

Example Sentences

An optative of this nature in the Lule language has already been mentioned.

From Project Gutenberg

The perfect of the optative is the second form of the future followed by the particle mono vo!

From Project Gutenberg

The preterit of the optative is formed by placing mono vo after the negative future; e.g., aguru mai mono vo 'oh!

From Project Gutenberg

Shall is confined to a sort of optative, indicating much more than mere intention, and even here it is yielding to will.

From Project Gutenberg

The form aguei is used by Collado in the construction of the optative below.

From Project Gutenberg