preteritive

[ pri-ter-i-tiv ]

adjective

, Grammar.

1. (of verbs) limited to past tenses.

preteritive

/ prɪˈtɛrɪtɪv /

adjective

1. (of a verb) having only past tense forms

Word History and Origins

Origin of preteritive¹

First recorded in 1830–40; preterit + -ive