Definition

Relating to or characterized by inflection, which is the modification of a word to express different grammatical categories.

Example

In some languages, verbs are inflective, changing form to indicate tense or mood.

Conversation

I was reading about different languages, and I found this term called inflective.

Oh really? What does it mean?

It refers to languages that change their form based on tense or case, like Latin.

That’s interesting! I didn’t know languages could be so inflective.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inflective → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "flectere" (meaning to bend). The word describes something that bends or changes form, particularly in the context of language where it refers to the modification of words to express different grammatical categories.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bending' ('flectere') words 'into' different forms ('in-') — that's what inflective means.

Visually Confused Words