Definition

This term describes a grammatical case used to indicate the recipient of an action, often showing the indirect object of a verb or used with certain prepositions.

Example

In German, the dative case is used to show the indirect object of a sentence.

Conversation

I’ve been studying different languages lately.

That’s cool! Are you learning about any specific grammar rules?

Yeah, I just learned about the dative case in German.

Nice! It’s interesting how languages have different ways to show indirect objects.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A grammatical term that refers to a specific case used in some languages to indicate the indirect object of a verb or the recipient of something.

Example

In German, the word 'dem' is an example of a dative article.

Conversation

I was studying grammar and came across the term dative case.

Oh really? What does that even mean?

It's a grammatical case used for indirect objects, like in sentences about giving.

Root Explanation

Dative → It is derived from the Latin word 'dativus' (meaning given), which comes from 'dare' (meaning to give). The term 'dative' refers to the grammatical case used to indicate the indirect object of a verb, essentially the recipient of something given.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dare' meaning to give, and remember that 'dative' relates to the case that shows who receives something.

Visually Confused Words