Vocative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ
vocative
[หvoสkษtษชv ]
Definition
grammar case
The vocative case is a grammatical case used for a noun that identifies a person or thing being addressed. It is commonly seen in languages that inflect their nouns to indicate grammatical relations, like Latin and Greek, but is also relevant in English for certain expressions. In English, the vocative is typically indicated by direct address, often set off by commas.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Hey, John, can you help me?
- Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the show!
- I think, therefore I am, said Renรฉ.
- Oh, my dear, how wonderful to see you!
- Remember, my friend, that honesty is key.
Translations
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Origin of 'vocative'
The term 'vocative' originates from the Latin word 'vokativus', which means 'to call'. It derives from 'vocare', the Latin verb meaning 'to call or summon'. The concept of the vocative case was established in classical grammar to describe a form of address directed towards a noun, indicating that the noun is being spoken to directly. This grammatical feature is prominent in many Indo-European languages, reflecting the ways in which speakers interact with subjects or objects in conversation. Although English has largely moved away from explicit case markings, the vocative remains essential for understanding direct addresses and the nuances of spoken language.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,448 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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