optative
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈɒptətɪv/
KK: /ˈɑːptətɪv/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a grammatical mood that expresses a wish or desire.
Example
In some languages, the optative mood is used to convey hopes or wishes.
Conversation
I was reading about different moods in languages, and I came across the term optative.
Oh, I think I've heard of that! It relates to expressing wishes, right?
Exactly! It's interesting how some languages have specific verbs for optative expressions.
Yeah, it really shows how language can convey our desires.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wishful
desirous
selective
Antonyms
unwilling
indifferent
unselective
noun
Definition
A form of a verb that expresses a wish or desire.
Example
In some languages, the optative mood is used to express hopes or wishes.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of the term optative in grammar?
Yeah, I think it relates to expressing wishes or hopes, right?
Exactly! It’s interesting how different languages use the optative mood differently.
Root Explanation
Optative → It is formed from "optare" (meaning to choose or wish) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "optative" refers to a mood in grammar that expresses a wish or desire.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'opt' which relates to 'choosing' or 'wishing' — that's why 'optative' refers to expressing a wish.
Visually Confused Words
adoptative
rotative
putative
potative
notative
optive
computative
sputative