accusative

[ uh-kyoo-zuh-tiv ]

adjective

1. Grammar.
   1. (in certain inflected languages, as Latin, Greek, or Russian) noting a case whose distinctive function is to indicate the direct object of a verb or the object of certain prepositions.
   2. similar to such a case form in function or meaning.
2. Linguistics. pertaining to a type of language in which there is an accusative case or in which subjects of transitive verbs behave the same way as subjects of intransitive verbs. Compare ergative ( def 2 ).
3. accusatory.

noun

1. an accusative case.
2. a word in an accusative case.
3. a form or construction of similar function.

accusative

/ əˌkjuːzəˈtaɪvəl; əˈkjuːzətɪv /

adjective

1. grammar denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages that is used to identify the direct object of a finite verb, of certain prepositions, and for certain other purposes See also objective
2. another word for accusatorial

noun

1. grammar
   1. the accusative case
   2. a word or speech element in the accusative case

Derived Forms

• acˈcusatively, adverb
• accusatival, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·cu·sa·tive·ly adverb
• self-ac·cu·sa·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accusative¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French, or directly from Latin accūsātīvus, equivalent to ac-, a variant of the prefix ad- + -cūsātīvus, combining form of causātīvus “pertaining to a lawsuit; accusative (case) (as if a defendant in a lawsuit)”; loan translation of Greek aitiatikḗ, in the sense “pointing to the origin or cause, accusing;” in Stoic grammatical theory “that which is caused by the verb”; ad-, causative

Word History and Origins

Origin of accusative¹

C15: from Latin; in grammar, from the phrase cāsus accūsātīvus accusative case, a mistaken translation of Greek ptōsis aitiatikē the case indicating causation. See accuse

Example Sentences

I expected to find you among your pillows,' said I, accusative.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, fet of the plural applies only to the nominative and accusative; the genitive has fota, the dative fotum.

From Project Gutenberg

The construction with on is rare, the verb in this sense regularly takes an accusative.

From Project Gutenberg

This seems justly observed, for we say, He came himself; Himself shall do this; where himself cannot be an accusative.

From Project Gutenberg

Every accusative resembles either the nominative or the dative; if the latter, it ends in -e.

From Project Gutenberg