Dative
/ˈdeɪ.tɪv/noun
A grammatical case used to indicate the indirect object of a verb.
Did you know?The term 'dative' comes from Latin 'dativus', meaning 'given', reflecting its role in the language of gifts and offerings.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dey-
“to give, to put in a place”
Latin
Latin
dativus
“pertaining to giving, granted, bestowed”
Old French
Old French
dative
“the grammatical case for indirect objects, linked to giving”
Middle English
Middle English
dativ
“noun form referring to the dative case in grammar”
Modern English
English
dative
“the term used in grammar to describe the case indicating the recipient or indirect object”
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