vocative
[ vok-uh-tiv ]
/ ˈvɒk ə tɪv /
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.”
Nearby words
Origin of vocative
Related formsvoc·a·tive·ly, adverb
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Examples from the Web for vocative
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 Formsvocatively, adverb
Word 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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Word Origin and History for vocative
vocative
mid-15c., "showing the person or thing spoken to," from Middle French vocatif (fem. vocative), from Latin vocativus (casus) "(case of) calling," from vocatus, past participle of vocare "to call" (see voice (n.)). The Latin is a translation of Greek kletike ptosis, from kletikos "related to calling," from kletos "called."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper