optative
adjective
op·ta·tive
ˈäp-tə-tiv 
1
a
: of, relating to, or constituting a verbal mood that is expressive of wish or desire
b
: of, relating to, or constituting a sentence that is expressive of wish or hope
2
: expressing desire or wish
optative
noun
optatively
adverb
Examples of optative in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
History is written in the indicative mood, but lived and remembered in the optative — the grammatical mood of wishful thinking.
—
C. E. Morgan, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2018
C. E. Morgan, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of optative was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near optative
Cite this Entry
“Optative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optative. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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