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

“Well, we can attack and still use epi, but we have to use an accusative because of the first rules.”

From Literature

“It’s less accusative, and puts you in control. So, ‘I feel ...’ rather than ‘You make me feel ...’.”

From The Guardian

Ms. McSally’s ads and those of her supporters have been relentlessly negative and darkly accusative, which is a great primary play, but may hurt her with general election voters.

From New York Times

Or do I have to describe myself --and you, and my kids-- with that same accusative epithet that until recently would be reserved for the likes of Trump?

From New York Times

That leads to an error called a hypercorrection, in which people use a nominative pronoun in an accusative coordination: Give Al Gore and I a chance to bring America back.

From Literature