Definition

Describing something that happens repeatedly or often.

Example

The frequentative form of the verb indicates that the action occurs multiple times.

Conversation

I noticed you have a frequentative habit of checking your phone.

Yeah, I guess I do! It's hard to resist sometimes.

Right? It can be distracting, especially when we’re hanging out.

Totally! I should probably try to cut back on that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of verb that indicates repeated or habitual action.

Example

In English, the verb 'to run' can have a frequentative form to express running repeatedly.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term frequentative?

Yeah, I think it refers to a kind of verb form, right?

Exactly! I found it interesting how it shows repeated actions.

Root Explanation

Frequentative → It is formed from "frequent" (from Latin "frequentem", meaning crowded or repeated) and the suffix "-ative" (meaning having the quality of). The word "frequentative" refers to something that has the quality of being repeated or occurring often.

Memory Tip

Think of something that happens 'often' ('frequent') and has a quality of repetition ('-ative'). This helps you remember that 'frequentative' describes actions that occur repeatedly.

Visually Confused Words