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vocative
[ vok-uh-tiv ]
/ ˈvɒk ə tɪv /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
Grammar. (in certain inflected languages, as Latin) noting or pertaining to a case used to indicate that a noun refers to a person or thing being addressed.
of, relating to, or used in calling, specifying, or addressing.
noun Grammar.
the vocative case.
a word in the vocative, as Latin Paule “O Paul.”
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ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of vocative
OTHER WORDS FROM vocative
voc·a·tive·ly, adverbWords nearby vocative
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use vocative in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for vocative
vocative
/ (ˈvɒkətɪv) /
adjective
relating to, used in, or characterized by calling
grammar denoting a case of nouns, in some inflected languages, used when the referent of the noun is being addressed
noun
grammar
- the vocative case
- a vocative noun or speech element
Derived forms of vocative
vocatively, adverbWord Origin for vocative
C15: from Latin phrase vocātīvus cāsus the calling case, from vocāre to call
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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