¹infinitive

adjective in·fin·i·tive \in-ˈfi-nə-tiv\

Definition of INFINITIVE

: formed with the infinitive

— in·fin·i·tive·ly adverb

Origin of INFINITIVE

Middle English infinityf, from Late Latin infinitivus, from Latin infinitus

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with INFINITIVE

carminative, definitive

²infinitive

noun

grammar : the basic form of a verb

Full Definition of INFINITIVE

: a verb form normally identical in English with the first person singular that performs some functions of a noun and at the same time displays some characteristics of a verb and that is used with to (as in “I asked him to go”) except with auxiliary and various other verbs (as in “no one saw him leave”)

See infinitive defined for English-language learners

See infinitive defined for kids

First Known Use of INFINITIVE

1530

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with INFINITIVE

carminative, definitive

INFINITIVE[2] Defined for Kids

infinitive

noun in·fin·i·tive \in-ˈfi-nə-tiv\

Definition of INFINITIVE for Kids

: a verb form serving as a noun or as a modifier and at the same time taking objects and adverbial modifiers <In the sentence “I have nothing to do,” “to do” is an infinitive.>