constative

adjective

con·​sta·​tive kən-ˈstā-tiv How to pronounce constative (audio) ˈkän-stə-tiv How to pronounce constative (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a verbal form that expresses past completed action compare performative sense 1
2
: being or relating to an utterance (such as an assertion, question, or command) that is capable of being judged true or false
constative noun

Word History

Etymology

constate to assert positively, from French constater, from Latin constat it is certain, 3rd singular present indicative of constare

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constative was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near constative

Cite this Entry

“Constative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constative. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on constative

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!