conative

[ kon-uh-tiv, koh-nuh- ]

adjective

1. Psychology. pertaining to or of the nature of conation.
2. Grammar. expressing endeavor or effort:

   a conative verb.

noun

1. Grammar. a conative word, affix, or verbal aspect.

conative

/ ˈkɒnətɪv; ˈkəʊ- /

adjective

1. grammar denoting an aspect of verbs in some languages used to indicate the effort of the agent in performing the activity described by the verb
2. of or relating to conation

Word History and Origins

Origin of conative¹

First recorded in 1680–90; conat(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

As to sentiments and emotions, they involve ideas and conative elements in addition to sensations and feelings.

From Project Gutenberg

So we may say that an enhancement of the conative powers, a greater control over the attention, are the chief marks of the Illuminative Way as perceived by the growing self.

From Project Gutenberg

Now it is impossible to observe the instinctive routine of the parents, when the young need attention, without being impressed with the conative aspect of their behaviour.

From Project Gutenberg

Another less common use of the word is to describe the pleasant or painful sensations which accompany muscular activity; the conative phenomena, thus regarded, are psychic changes brought about by external causes.

From Project Gutenberg

The growth of the sentiments is of the utmost importance for the character and conduct of individuals and of societies; it is the organization of the affective and conative life.

From Project Gutenberg