voc·a·tive
| \ ˈvä-kə-tiv
\
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Definition of vocative
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: of, relating to, or being a grammatical case (see case entry 1 sense 3a) marking the one addressed (such as Latin Domine in miserere, Domine "have mercy, O Lord")
2
of a word or word group
: marking the one addressed (such as mother in "mother, come here")
vocative
nounDefinition of vocative (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: the vocative case of a language
2
: a form in the vocative case
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“Vocative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vocative. Accessed 15 May. 2021.
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The first known use of vocative was in the 15th century
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