Infinitive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Grammar

• In English, infinitives can be used alone or with auxiliary verbs to create infinitive phrases that explain intention, purpose, or future actions.
• They can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence, demonstrating their versatility.
• Unlike conjugated verbs, infinitives do not specify the subject or tense, allowing for broad application in language.

Education

• Learning about infinitives is crucial in mastering how to construct sentences properly in English and other languages.
• Many English students face challenges with auxiliary verbs that accompany infinitives, such as 'to have,' 'to be,' and 'to do.'
• Infinitives play a significant role in ESL (English as a Second Language) settings, as they are often one of the first verb forms students learn.

Cognitive Psychology

• Understanding infinitives can help develop clearer thinking since it allows individuals to express abstract ideas about actions.
• Research has shown that mastering infinitive structures can improve language fluency and overall communication skills.
• Infinitives can evoke different emotions and contexts depending on how they are used in sentences, influencing listener behavior.

Main points about word origin

• The term comes from the Latin word 'infinitivus,' which means 'unbounded' or 'unlimited.'
• In languages like Spanish and French, verbs also have infinitive forms, showing how this concept spans different cultures.
• Infinitives reflect a fundamental aspect of verbal systems, illustrating how languages express actions and states.

The term 'infinitive' derives from the Latin 'infinitivus', meaning 'not limited' or 'unbounded'. This is a reference to the verb form's ability to represent actions without specifying a subject or tense. The concept of infinitives can be traced back to the origins of language itself, as early languages employed various forms of verbs for different functions. Over centuries, as languages evolved, the grammatical category of the infinitive became a fundamental aspect, particularly in Indo-European languages. In English, the infinitive form has been retained, and its use is significant in constructing sentences that describe intent or action. Its flexibility allows for nuanced understanding in communication, making it a crucial part of English grammar.

With rank #17,006, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

• ...
• 17003 banning
• 17004 resuming
• 17005 adverb
• 17006 infinitive
• 17007 secrete
• 17008 scrupulously
• 17009 impassable
• ...