imperfective

American  

[im-per-fek-tiv] / ˌɪm pərˈfɛk tɪv /

adjective

1. noting an aspect of the verb, as in Russian, that indicates incompleteness of the action or state at a temporal point of reference.

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noun

1. the imperfective aspect.

2. a verb in this aspect.

imperfective British  

/ ˌɪmpəˈfɛktɪv /

adjective

1. denoting an aspect of the verb in some languages, including English, used to indicate that the action is in progress without regard to its completion Compare perfective

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noun

1. 1. the imperfective aspect of a verb

   2. a verb in this aspect

Other Word Forms

• imperfectively adverb

Etymology

Origin of imperfective

First recorded in 1670–80; imperfect + -ive

Example Sentences

But never has this "imperfective" been so exclusively paramount as now.

From Tales of the Wilderness by Pilniak, Boris

The "imperfective" is where nothing definitely happens but only goes on indefinitely "becoming."

From Tales of the Wilderness by Pilniak, Boris

Very "imperfective" and hardly a "story," it is nevertheless done with sober and conscientious craftsmanship, very much like Bunin and very unlike the usual idea we have of Pilniak.

From Tales of the Wilderness by Pilniak, Boris