genitive

[ jen-i-tiv ]

adjective

1. (in certain inflected languages) noting a case of nouns, pronouns, or adjectives, used primarily to express possession, measure, or origin: as John's hat, week's vacation, duty's call.
2. noting an affix or other element characteristic of this case, or a word containing such an element.
3. similar to such a case form in function or meaning.

noun

1. the genitive case.
2. a word in the genitive case.
3. a construction noting this case or the relationship usually expressed by it.

genitive

/ ˈdʒɛnɪtɪv; ˌdʒɛnɪˈtaɪvəl /

adjective

1. denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in inflected languages used to indicate a relation of ownership or association, usually translated by English of

noun

1. 1. the genitive case
   2. a word or speech element in this case

Derived Forms

• ˌgeniˈtivally, adverb
• genitival, adjective

Other Words From

• gen·i·ti·val [jen-i-, tahy, -v, uh, l], adjective
• geni·tival·ly adverb
• un·geni·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of genitive¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin genitīvus, equivalent to genit ( us ) (past participle of gignere to beget) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of genitive¹

C14: from Latin genetīvus relating to birth, from gignere to produce

Example Sentences

These names are for the most part a Greek letter prefixed to the genitive case of the Latin name of the constellation.

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 subject of warni is warschipe contained in the preceding genitive; see 6/18.

From Project Gutenberg

From Muskeeg, a swamp or bog, and o, the sign of the genitive.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Lowth, on the other part, supposes the possessive pronouns mine and thine to be genitive cases.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• carnal
• erotic
• intimate
• passionate
• reproductive
• sensual