subjunctive

adjective sub·junc·tive \ səb-ˈjən(k)-tiv \

|Updated on: 24 Apr 2018

Examples: subjunctive in a Sentence

: of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or set of verb forms that represents a denoted act or state not as fact but as contingent or possible or viewed emotionally (as with doubt or desire)

the subjunctive mood

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Examples of subjunctive in a Sentence

In “I wish it were Friday,” the verb “were” is in the subjunctive mood.

Recent Examples of subjunctive from the Web

The author has to sneak away from his seat to consult Reagan letters, diaries and biographies to fortify what is essentially a subjunctive enterprise.

— thomas mallon, New York Times, "Watch One With the Gipper: An Aide Recalls Movie Nights With the Reagans," 2 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of subjunctive

Late Latin subjunctivus, from Latin subjunctus, past participle of subjungere to join beneath, subordinate

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First Known Use: circa 1504

in the meaning defined above

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subjunctive

noun

1 : the subjunctive mood of a language

2 : a form of verb or verbal in the subjunctive mood

See subjunctive defined for English-language learners

Examples of subjunctive in a Sentence

“I wish it were not so” is in the subjunctive.
Subjunctives can be used to express doubt.

Recent Examples of subjunctive from the Web

Batuman writes; Nina’s reality remains untroubled by conditionals and subjunctives.

— katy waldman, Slate Magazine, "Elif Batuman sets out to write a novel as chaotic, random, and intoxicating as real life.," 20 Mar. 2017
To avoid the complicated subjunctive, which expresses wishes and hopes.

— diana spechler, Longreads, "Language Acquisition," 28 Oct. 2017

First Known Use of subjunctive

1575

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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SUBJUNCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

subjunctive

adjective

grammar : of or relating to the verb form that is used to express suggestions, wishes, uncertainty, possibility, etc.

subjunctive

noun

the subjunctive : the form that a verb or sentence has when it is expressing a suggestion, wish, uncertainty, possibility, etc.
: a subjunctive verb or sentence