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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

    1. the imperfective aspect of a verb
    2. a verb in this aspect
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌimperˈfectively, adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of imperfective1

First recorded in 1670–80; imperfect + -ive
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Example Sentences

The "imperfective" is where nothing definitely happens but only goes on indefinitely "becoming."

But never has this "imperfective" been so exclusively paramount as now.

Very "imperfective" and hardly a "story," it is nevertheless done with sober and conscientious craftsmanship, very much like Bunin and very unlike the usual idea we have of Pilniak.

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imperfectionimperfect stage