Definition

Describing an action that is ongoing or not finished, often used in grammar to indicate that an action is not completed or is repeated.

Example

In some languages, the imperfective aspect is used to show that an action is still happening.

Conversation

I was reading about different verb aspects, and I found the term imperfective interesting.

Oh, I've heard that before! It relates to actions that aren't complete, right?

Exactly! It's all about expressing actions that are ongoing or repeated.

That makes sense; it really helps in understanding how we describe activities.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of verb that describes an action that is ongoing, repeated, or not completed.

Example

In the sentence 'She was reading a book', 'reading' is in the imperfective aspect.

Conversation

I was reading about the imperfective aspect in my grammar book.

Oh really? What does that mean?

It describes actions that are ongoing or habitual, not completed.

Root Explanation

Imperfective is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "perfective" (from Latin "perfectivus", meaning completed or finished). The word describes an aspect of verbs that indicates an action is ongoing or not completed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('im-') and 'completed' ('perfective') to remember that 'imperfective' refers to actions that are ongoing or not finished.

Visually Confused Words