optative

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a mood (as in Greek or Sanskrit) that expresses a wish or hope; expressed in English by modal verbs
  2. adjective indicating an option or wish
  3. adjective relating to a mood of verbs in some languages

Etymology

From Middle French optatif, from Late Latin optātīvus, a calque of Ancient Greek εὐκτική (euktikḗ, “related to wishing”), from Latin optātus, past participle of optāre.

In classic literature

Synonyms

optative mood

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