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Subjunctive: meaning, definitions and examples

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subjunctive

 

[ səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

grammar mood

The subjunctive is a grammatical mood used to express hypothetical situations, wishes, demands, or suggestions. It differs from the indicative mood, which is used for stating facts, and the imperative mood, which is used for commands. In English, the subjunctive is most commonly found in certain clauses and with specific verbs, such as 'suggest,' 'wish,' and 'demand.' Though less prominent in modern usage, it remains significant in formal writing and certain expressions.

Synonyms

conditional, hypothetical, wishful

Examples of usage

  • I wish she were here.
  • It is essential that he be present.
  • If I were you, I would take it.
  • I suggest that she study harder.
  • He demanded that she leave.
Context #2 | Noun

mood of verbs

In linguistics, the subjunctive mood refers to a verb form that expresses a situation that is not necessarily real. It is used in some languages to indicate wishes, demands, or unreal situations. In English, it is often marked by the base form of the verb and is predominantly found in dependent clauses.

Synonyms

irrealis, non-factual, unreal

Examples of usage

  • If he were president, he'd improve education.
  • I suggest that you take the day off.
  • Would that I were a billionaire!
  • It's crucial that she stay focused.
  • I wish it were sunny today.

Translations

Translations of the word "subjunctive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subjuntivo

🇮🇳 संभाव्य काल (sambhavy kaal)

🇩🇪 Konjunktiv

🇮🇩 subjungtif

🇺🇦 суб'єктивний настрій

🇵🇱 subjunktiv

🇯🇵 接続法 (せつぞくほう, setsuzokuhō)

🇫🇷 subjonctif

🇪🇸 subjuntivo

🇹🇷 şart kipi

🇰🇷 접속법 (jeobsokbeop)

🇸🇦 صيغة شرطية (ṣīghat ʿarḍiyyah)

🇨🇿 subjunktiv

🇸🇰 subjunktív

🇨🇳 虚拟语气 (xūnǐ yǔqì)

🇸🇮 subjunktiv

🇮🇸 svoðugur

🇰🇿 шартты рай

🇬🇪 სუბიექტივური (subiekt'ivuri)

🇦🇿 şərtli zaman

🇲🇽 subjuntivo

Etymology

The term 'subjunctive' originates from the Latin word 'subjunctivus', which is derived from 'subjungere', meaning 'to join under'. Historically, the subjunctive mood was a critical aspect of Latin grammar, signifying actions not taken, desires, or hypothetical scenarios. The transition from Latin to the Romance languages saw a significant evolution in the use of the subjunctive. While Latin retained a robust subjunctive structure, many Romance languages simplified its application. In English, the subjunctive remains more limited, often appearing infrequently and primarily in formal contexts. Over time, its usage has waned in everyday language, but it continues to be taught as part of English grammar, especially regarding accuracy when expressing hypothetical thoughts or wishes. Its importance in subordination and clause structure adds depth to the language, even as it becomes less common in casual speech.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,227, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.