Dative Case
/ˈdeɪ.tɪv keɪs/noun
A grammatical case used to indicate the indirect object of a verb.
Did you know?The term 'dative' comes from the Latin 'dare', meaning 'to give', connecting language to the ancient practice of offering and sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deh₁-
“to put, place, or set down.”
Latin
Latin
dativus
“pertaining to giving or to be given.”
Old French
Old French
datif
“of or relating to the dative case.”
Middle English
Middle English
datif
“the grammatical case used for indirect objects.”
Modern English
English
dative case
“the grammatical case indicating the recipient of something.”