subjunctive

[ suhb-juhngk-tiv ]

adjective

1. (in English and certain other languages) noting or pertaining to a mood or mode of the verb that may be used for subjective, doubtful, hypothetical, or grammatically subordinate statements or questions, as the mood of be in if this be treason. Compare imperative ( def 3 ), indicative ( def 2 ).

noun

1. the subjunctive mood or mode.
2. a verb in the subjunctive mood or form.

subjunctive

/ səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv /

adjective

1. grammar denoting a mood of verbs used when the content of the clause is being doubted, supposed, feared true, etc, rather than being asserted. The rules for its use and the range of meanings it may possess vary considerably from language to language. In the following sentence, were is in the subjunctive Compare indicative

   I'd think very seriously about that if I were you

noun

1. grammar
   1. the subjunctive mood
   2. a verb in this mood

subjunctive

1. A grammatical form of verbs implying hypothetical action or condition. Subjunctives are italicized in these sentences: “If Mr. Stafford were [not “was”] fluent in French, he could communicate with his employees more effectively”; “If Sheila had been here, she would have helped us with our math.”

Grammar Note

The subjunctive mood of the verb, once used extensively in English, has largely disappeared today. The subjunctive survives, though by no means consistently, in sentences with conditional clauses contrary to fact and in subordinate clauses after verbs like wish: If the house were nearer to the road, we would hear more traffic noise. I wish I were in Florida. The subjunctive also occurs in subordinate that clauses after a main clause expressing recommendation, resolution, demand, etc.: We ask that each tenant take (not takes ) responsibility for keeping the front door locked. It is important that only fresh spinach be (not is ) used. The subjunctive occurs too in some established or idiomatic expressions: So be it. Heaven help us. God rest ye merry, gentlemen. Were in the phrase as it were, meaning “in a way,” is a subjunctive: His apology, as it were, sounded more like an insult.

Derived Forms

• subˈjunctively, adverb

Other Words From

• sub·junctive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjunctive¹

1520–30; < Late Latin subjunctīvus, equivalent to subjunct ( us ) (past participle of subjungere to subjoin, equivalent to sub- sub- + jung ( ere ) to join + -tus past participle suffix) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjunctive¹

C16: via Late Latin subjunctīvus, from Latin subjungere to subjoin

Example Sentences

That wasn’t the case because the statement in question was formulated vaguely and in the subjunctive, noting that the evaluation was based on initial information and further clarification was in progress, the court found.

From Seattle Times

After I dropped the subjunctive and began to talk about when she died, a barrier was eliminated.

From Washington Post

This second modality, as my Spanish teacher explained it, was called “the subjunctive.”

From New York Times

I went downstairs again, and back to the subjunctive verbs.

From Literature

These new thoughts flooded in, leaving little room for concerns about Othello’s motivation or the subjunctive in French.

From New York Times