gerundive Hear it!

gerundive definition

ge·run·dive (jə rundiv)

noun

  1. in Latin, a verbal adjective with a typical gerund stem form, used as a future passive participle expressing duty, necessity, fitness, etc. (Ex.: delenda in delenda est Carthago, “Carthage must be destroyed”)
  2. in other languages, any of various forms analogous to this

Etymology: ME gerundif < LL gerundivus < gerundium: see gerund

Related Forms:

  • gerundival ger′·un·di′·val (jer′ən dīvəl) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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