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the subjunctive

noun

Definition of the subjunctive

grammar

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

"I wish it were not so" is in the subjunctive.

Word by Word Definitions

subjunctive play

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

See the full definition of subjunctive

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