suspensive

[ suh-spen-siv ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by suspension.
2. undecided in mind.
3. pertaining to or characterized by suspense.
4. (of words, phrases, etc.) characterized by or expressing suspense; keeping the reader or listener in suspense.
5. having the effect of suspending the operation of something.

suspensive

/ səˈspɛnsɪv /

adjective

1. having the power of deferment; effecting suspension
2. causing, characterized by, or relating to suspense
3. inclined to defer judgment; undecided

Derived Forms

• susˈpensively, adverb
• susˈpensiveness, noun

Other Words From

• sus·pensive·ly adverb
• sus·pensive·ness noun
• nonsus·pensive adjective
• nonsus·pensive·ly adverb
• nonsus·pensive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of suspensive¹

1540–50; < Medieval Latin suspēnsīvus, equivalent to suspēns ( us ) ( suspense ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Note the suspensive intense rise upon “heaven” and the falling on “hell.”

From Project Gutenberg

The Ministers themselves were unable to insist on the absolute veto in preference to the suspensive thus defined.

From Project Gutenberg

They resolved, on September 21, that the suspensive veto should extend over two legislatures.

From Project Gutenberg

The fifth attitude serves as a preparation for oblique steps; it is also colorless, transitive, suspensive.

From Project Gutenberg

Metrical students will delight in the double rhymes of the octave, which play so great a part in the suspensive music.

From Project Gutenberg