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infinitive. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
infinitive, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
infinitive in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
infinitive you have here. The definition of the word
infinitive will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
Etymology
From Middle French infinitif, from Late Latin infinitivus (“unlimited, indefinite”), from Latin infinitus (“unlimited, infinite”).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ɪnˈfɪnɪtɪv/, /ɪnˈfɪnətɪv/
Noun
infinitive (plural infinitives)
- (grammar) The infinitive mood or mode (a grammatical mood).
1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 69:The MANNERS of acting, in grammar called modes or moods, are four; Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, Subjunctive or Conjunctive.
1857, Henry Tindall, A grammar and vocabulary of the Namaqua-Hottentot language, page 38:There are four moods, the Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, and Subjunctive. [...] the Infinitive is used to express a thing in a general manner.
- (grammar) A non-finite verb form considered neutral with respect to inflection; depending on language variously found used with auxiliary verbs, in subordinate clauses, or acting as a gerund, and often as the dictionary form.
- (grammar) A verbal noun formed from the infinitive of a verb.
Hypernyms
Derived terms
Translations
See also
Adjective
infinitive (not comparable)
- (grammar) Formed with the infinitive.
1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 70:INFINITIVE MOOD or MANNER.
To Have, Avoir.
1858, C. P. Mason, English grammar; including the principles of grammatical analysis, London, page 32:In English there are four moods:–1. The Infinitive Mood. 2. The Indicative Mood. 3. the Imperative Mood. 4. The Subjunctive Mood.
- Unlimited; not bounded or restricted; undefined.
- a. 1823, Cunningham's Sermons (quoted in 1823, The Edinburgh Christian Instructor, volume 23, page 328)
- to search out in some higher region of infinitive space a spot where it was impossible for defilement to follow them
French
Pronunciation
Adjective
infinitive
- feminine singular of infinitif
Noun
infinitive f (plural infinitives)
- infinitive clause, same as proposition infinitive
Italian
Adjective
infinitive f
- feminine plural of infinitivo
Latin
Noun
īnfīnītīve
- vocative singular of īnfīnītīvus