infinitive Hear it!

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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