-ative

1. a combination of -ate ¹ and -ive, used to form adjectives from stems in -ate1 ( regulative ); on this model, because of the frequency and productivity of -ate ¹, used independently to form adjectives from stems of other origin:

   normative.

-ative

suffix forming adjectives

1. of, relating to, or tending to

   authoritative

   informative

   decorative

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ative¹

< Latin -ātīvus, equivalent to -āt ( us ) -ate ¹ + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ative¹

from Latin -ātīvus, from ātus -ate ¹+ īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Regardless of the results of The Post’s simply worded poll of 0.01 percent of Native Americans, the word is a despicable slur that continues the centuries-old dehumanization of n ative people and does subtle but lasting psychological harm to n ative children.

From Washington Post

In terms of general crispness for Apple devices, there will now be ative resolution to optimize At Bat for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus.

From Forbes

Sicc′ative, drying: causing to dry.—n.

From Project Gutenberg

Talk′able, capable of talking, or of being talked about; Talk′ative, given to much talking: prating.—adv.

From Project Gutenberg

Sed′ative, tending to make sedate: moderating: allaying irritation or pain.—n. a medicine that allays irritation or pain.

From Project Gutenberg