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infinitive
infinitive definition
in·fini·tive (in fin′i tiv)
adjective
Gram. of or connected with an infinitive an infinitive phrase
Etymology: LL infinitivus < L infinitivus (modus), lit., unlimited (mood) < infinitus (see infinite): so named because it is not limited to any person, number, or tense
noun
Gram. the form of the verb that expresses existence or action without reference to person, number, or tense and can also function as a noun: in English, it is usually the form of the the first person singular present preceded by the marker to (Ex.: to go, to think) or by another verb form (Ex.: can he speak? make him try)
Related Forms:
- infinitival in·fin′i·ti′·val (-tī′vəl) 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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