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Predicative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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predicative

[prɛdɪˈkeɪtɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

grammar term

In grammar, predicative refers to the relationship between a subject and a verb followed by an adjective, noun, or phrase that describes or gives more information about the subject. It often appears in sentences where a subject is described or defined by a subject complement. Predicative constructions are essential for expressing complex ideas succinctly.

Synonyms

attributive, descriptive.

Examples of usage

  • The sky is blue.
  • She became a great leader.
  • The cake smells delicious.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'predicative'

The term 'predicative' originates from the Latin word 'praedicativus', meaning 'asserted' or 'predicated', derived from 'praedicare' which means 'to proclaim' or 'to declare'. This word entered the grammatical lexicon to describe the function of adjectives and phrases that complete the meaning of the subject in a sentence. Its use became more prevalent in the study of grammar during the 19th century as linguists began to systematically analyze sentence structures, emphasizing the roles of predicates in constructing meaning. As grammar evolved, so did the understanding of how predicative elements interact within sentence construction, leading to more refined linguistic theories.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,651, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.