Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

precative

adjective
prec·​a·​tive | \ ˈprekətiv\

Definition of precative

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : precatory, beseeching a precative utterance
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a verb form expressing a wish or request

precative

noun
\ "\
plural -s

Definition of precative (Entry 2 of 2)

: a precative verb form

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for precative

Adjective

Late Latin precativus, from Latin precatus (past participle of precari to entreat, pray) + -ivus -ive

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about precative

Statistics for precative

Look-up Popularity

Comments on precative

What made you want to look up precative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

pungle

Listen to the pronounciation of pungle

to make a payment or contribution

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

  • time traveler quiz which word came first
  • Which came first?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games