subjunctive

adjective

sub·junc·tive | \səb-ˈjən(k)-tiv

Definition of subjunctive

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

subjunctive

noun

Definition of subjunctive (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the subjunctive mood of a language

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

Examples of subjunctive in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Noun

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

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

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.