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elative

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪˈleɪtɪv/

KK: /ɪˈleɪtɪv/

adjective
Definition

This term refers to a grammatical case that shows movement away from a location in certain languages, such as Finnish.


Example

In Finnish, the elative case is used to express the idea of leaving a place, like saying 'out of the hotel'.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the elative case in Finnish grammar?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What does it mean?
Sloth A
It's used to indicate motion out of a place, like saying 'out of the hotel.'
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I love learning about different languages.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
outward
exiting
emergent
Antonyms
inward
entering
arriving
noun
Definition

A grammatical term referring to a word or form that indicates a higher degree or comparison, often used in certain languages to express superiority or emphasis.


Example

In some languages, the elative form is used to show that something is greater than something else.


Conversation
Sloth A
I was reading about different grammatical cases, and I came across the term elative yesterday.
Sloth B
Oh really? What does the elative case refer to exactly?
Sloth A
It’s a form that expresses a sense of movement away from something.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Elative is derived from the Latin root "elevare" (meaning to raise or lift) combined with the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The term "elative" refers to a grammatical case that expresses a relation of elevation or superiority.

Memory Tip

Think of 'raising' ('elevare') something to a higher level, which helps you remember that 'elative' relates to expressing a sense of elevation or superiority.

Visually Confused Words
relative
celative
emulative
unrelative
semblative
revelative
relaxative
relativize
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That sounds interesting! I’ll have to look into it more.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
case
Antonyms
nominative
accusative
genitive