First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
genitive
adjective gen·i·tive \ˈje-nə-tiv\
Definition of GENITIVE
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a grammatical case marking typically a relationship of possessor or source — compare possessive
2
: expressing a relationship that in some inflected languages is often marked by a genitive case —used especially of English prepositional phrases introduced by of
— genitive noun
See genitive defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GENITIVE
Middle English, from Latin genetivus, genitivus, literally, of generation (erroneous translation of Greek genikos genitive), from genitus
Rhymes with GENITIVE
Learn More About GENITIVE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: genitive absolutePrevious Word in the Dictionary: genitivalAll Words Near: genitive
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up genitive? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).