/ ˈvɒkətɪv; NAmE ˈvɑːk-/ noun
( grammar ) ( in some languages ) the form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective used when talking to a person or thing
—compare ablative , accusative , dative , genitive , nominative
► voca·tive adjective :
the vocative case
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French vocatif , -ive or Latin vocativus , from vocare to call.