constative

[ kuhn-stey-tiv ]

adjective

1. (of an utterance) describing a state of affairs; making a statement that can be said to be true or false. Compare performative ( def 1 ).

noun

1. a constative utterance. Compare performative ( def 4 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of constative¹

1900–05; probably < French constat ( er ) to affirm, verify (apparently verbal derivative of Latin constat (it) is apparent, 3rd-person singular present of constāre; constant ) + -ive