optative
Noun · AdjectiveSynonyms:
optative mood
Open English WordNet
Noun (1)
- a mood (as in Greek or Sanskrit) that expresses a wish or hope; expressed in English by modal verbsSynonyms: optative moodType of mood, mode
Adjective (2)
- indicating an option or wishRelating to choice
- relating to a mood of verbs in some languages“optative verb endings”
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Op′ta·tive adjective
Origin: L. optativus: cf. F. optatif.
Expressing desire or wish. Thomas Fuller
Optative mood Grammar, that mood or form of a verb, as in Greek, Sanskrit, etc., in which a wish or desire is expressed.
Op′ta·tive noun
Origin: Cf. F. optatif.
1. Something to be desired. rare Francis, Baron Verulam Bacon
2. Grammar The optative mood; also, a verb in the optative mood.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54