Infinitival Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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infinitival
[ɪnˈfɪnɪtaɪvəl ]
Definition
grammar term
The term 'infinitival' relates to the form of verbs that function as infinitives. It can refer to a structure that includes the base form of a verb typically preceded by 'to,' such as 'to run' or 'to eat.' Infinitival phrases often serve as nouns, and they can express purpose or intention within a sentence. Understanding infinitival constructions is fundamental for mastering complex sentence structures in English.
Synonyms
infinitive, verb form.
Examples of usage
- I want to eat.
- She loves to sing.
- He decided to go.
- They hope to win.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- Infinitival constructions can express purpose, such as in 'She went to study' which indicates why she went.
- Some languages have distinct infinitival forms for verbs, while others might not distinguish them as clearly.
- In English, infinitival phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence, showcasing their versatility.
Education
- Infinitive forms are often used in language learning as a starting point for teaching verb conjugations.
- Understanding infinitival forms can help in grasping complex sentence structures, improving overall language skills.
- Many language proficiency exams assess knowledge of infinitival phrases due to their frequent use in everyday language.
Comparative Language
- In Spanish, the infinitive form ends in -ar, -er, or -ir (like 'hablar' for 'to talk'), reflecting a different morphological system.
- While many languages have an infinite form, the rules governing their use can vary greatly, influencing fluency and comprehension.
- Languages like Arabic often use triliteral roots, making the identification of infinitives less straightforward than in English.
Origin of 'infinitival'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin 'infinitivus', meaning 'not limited' or 'unbounded'.
- In the 17th century, grammarians started using the term to describe the basic forms of verbs in English.
- The concept has roots in ancient languages, including Latin and Greek, where verbs also have similar base forms.
The word 'infinitival' is derived from the base form 'infinitive,' which originates from the Latin term 'infinitivus,' meaning 'unlimited' or 'unconstrained.' The Latin root comes from 'infinitus,' which means 'unbounded' or 'endless,' stemming from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'finitus' meaning 'limited' or 'finite.' The transition of the term into English occurred during the adoption of Latin grammar terminology in the scholarly context of the Middle Ages. Infinitives have been a crucial part of the grammar structure in many languages, including English, and the adjective 'infinitival' has come to describe characteristics associated with this verb form. This grammatical understanding has evolved from classical times through the Renaissance while being influenced by the rise of modern linguistics.