jussive

noun

jus·​sive ˈjə-siv How to pronounce jussive (audio)
: a word, form, case, or mood expressing command
jussive adjective

Word History

Etymology

Latin jussus, past participle of jubēre to order; akin to Polish judzić to incite, Sanskrit yudhyati he fights

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jussive was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near jussive

Cite this Entry

“Jussive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jussive. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on jussive

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!