vocative

¹voc·a·tive

adj \ˈvä-kə-tiv\

Definition of VOCATIVE

1

: of, relating to, or being a grammatical case marking the one addressed (as Latin Domine in miserere, Domine “have mercy, O Lord”)

2

of a word or word group : marking the one addressed (as mother in “mother, come here”)

— voc·a·tive·ly adverb

Origin of VOCATIVE

Middle English vocatif, from Middle French, from Latin vocativus, from vocatus, past participle of vocare

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with VOCATIVE

locative