First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1infinitive
adjective in·fin·i·tive \in-ˈfi-nə-tiv\
Definition of INFINITIVE
: formed with the infinitive
— in·fin·i·tive·ly adverb
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Origin of INFINITIVE
Middle English infinityf, from Late Latin infinitivus, from Latin infinitus
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Rhymes with INFINITIVE
2infinitive
noun
grammar : the basic form of a verb
Full Definition of INFINITIVE
: a verb form normally identical in English with the first person singular that performs some functions of a noun and at the same time displays some characteristics of a verb and that is used with to (as in “I asked him to go”) except with auxiliary and various other verbs (as in “no one saw him leave”)
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First Known Use of INFINITIVE
1530
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Rhymes with INFINITIVE
INFINITIVE Defined for Kids
infinitive
noun in·fin·i·tive \in-ˈfi-nə-tiv\
Definition of INFINITIVE for Kids
: a verb form serving as a noun or as a modifier and at the same time taking objects and adverbial modifiers <In the sentence “I have nothing to do,” “to do” is an infinitive.>
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