DATIVE

dative, dative case

(noun) the category of nouns serving as the indirect object of a verb

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

dative (not comparable)

(grammar) Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter or indirect object, generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.

(obsolete, legal) In one’s gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office or other privilege.

(obsolete, legal) Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; — said of an officer.

(obsolete, legal) Given by a judge, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law itself.

(science) Formed by two electrons contributed by one atom; see dative bond.

Noun

dative (plural datives)

(grammar) The dative case.

Anagrams

• DeVita

Source: Wiktionary


Da"tive, a. Etym: [L. dativus appropriate to giving, fr. dare to give. See 2d Date.]

1. (Gram.)

Definition: Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter object, and is generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.

2. (Law) (a) In one's gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office. (b) Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; -- said of an officer. (c) Given by a magistrate, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law. Burril. Bouvier. Dative executor, one appointed by the judge of probate, his office answering to that of an administrator.

Da"tive, n. Etym: [L. dativus.]

Definition: The dative case. See Dative, a.,

1.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

29 March 2025

THOUGHTLESS

(adjective) without care or thought for others; “the thoughtless saying of a great princess on being informed that the people had no bread; ‘Let them eat cake’”


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Coffee Trivia

The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.

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