optative

adjective

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op·ta·tive | \ ˈäp-tə-tiv

Definition of optative

1a : 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

Other Words from optative Example Sentences Learn More About optative

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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.