imperfective

[ im-per-fek-tiv ]

adjective

1. noting an aspect of the verb, as in Russian, that indicates incompleteness of the action or state at a temporal point of reference.

noun

1. the imperfective aspect.
2. a verb in this aspect.

imperfective

/ ˌɪmpəˈfɛktɪv /

adjective

1. denoting an aspect of the verb in some languages, including English, used to indicate that the action is in progress without regard to its completion Compare perfective

noun

1. 1. the imperfective aspect of a verb
   2. a verb in this aspect

Derived Forms

• ˌimperˈfectively, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperfective¹

First recorded in 1670–80; imperfect + -ive