Dictionary
1expletive
noun ex·ple·tive \ˈek-splə-tiv\
: a word or phrase (such as “Damn it!”) that people sometimes say when they are angry or in pain; especially : one that is offensive
Full Definition of EXPLETIVE
1
a : a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense; especially : a word (as it in “make it clear which you prefer”) that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or phrase that supplies the needed meaningful content b : an exclamatory word or phrase; especially : one that is obscene or profane
2
: one that serves to fill out or as a filling
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First Known Use of EXPLETIVE
1612
Related to EXPLETIVE
- Synonyms
- curse, cuss, cussword, dirty word, swearword, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swear, vulgarism
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
2expletive
adjective
Definition of EXPLETIVE
1
: serving to fill up <expletive phrases>
2
: marked by the use of expletives
Origin of EXPLETIVE
Late Latin expletivus, from Latin expletus, past participle of explēre to fill out, from ex- + plēre to fill — more at full
First Known Use: 1666
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
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