1 infinitive | Definition of infinitive
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infinitive

adjective
in·​fin·​i·​tive | \ in-ˈfi-nə-tiv How to pronounce infinitive (audio) \

Definition of infinitive

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: formed with the infinitive

infinitive

noun

Definition of infinitive (Entry 2 of 2)

: a verb form normally identical in English with the first person singular that performs some functions of a noun and at the same time displays some characteristics of a verb and that is used with to (as in "I asked him to go") except with auxiliary and various other verbs (as in "no one saw him leave")
Other Words from infinitive Example Sentences Learn More about infinitive

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Other Words from infinitive

Adjective

infinitively adverb

Examples of infinitive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Shakespeare split just one infinitive, the King James Bible none. — The Economist, "The ban on split infinitives is an idea whose time never came," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'infinitive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of infinitive

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for infinitive

Adjective

Middle English infinityf, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French infinitif, borrowed from Late Latin infīnītīvus, from Latin infīnītus "not specified, indefinite, of a verbal form that does not specify person or number" + -īvus -ive — more at infinite entry 1

Noun

borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French infinitif, borrowed from Medieval Latin infīnītīvus, noun derivative of Late Latin infīnītīvus infinitive entry 1

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More Definitions for infinitive

infinitive

noun

English Language Learners Definition of infinitive

grammar : the basic form of a verb

See the full definition for infinitive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

infinitive

noun
in·​fin·​i·​tive | \ in-ˈfi-nə-tiv How to pronounce infinitive (audio) \

Kids Definition of infinitive

: a verb form serving as a noun or as a modifier and at the same time taking objects and adverbial modifiers In the sentence “I have nothing to do,” “to do” is an infinitive.

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More from Merriam-Webster on infinitive

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with infinitive

Spanish Central: Translation of infinitive

Nglish: Translation of infinitive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of infinitive for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about infinitive

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