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optative

adjective
op·​ta·​tive | \ ˈäp-tə-tiv How to pronounce optative (audio) \

Definition of optative

1a : of, relating to, or constituting a verbal mood that is expressive of wish or desire
b : of, relating to, or constituting a sentence that is expressive of wish or hope
2 : expressing desire or wish
Other Words from optative Example Sentences Learn More about optative

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Other Words from optative

optative noun
optatively adverb

Examples of optative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 History is written in the indicative mood, but lived and remembered in the optative — the grammatical mood of wishful thinking. — C. E. Morgan, New York Times, "Galloping Through History," 30 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of optative

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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