SUBJUNCTIVE


Meaning of SUBJUNCTIVE in English

I. -tiv, -tēv also -təv adjective

Etymology: Late Latin subjunctivus (translation of Greek hypotaktikos ), from Latin subjunctus (past participle of subjungere to subjoin) + -ivus -ive — more at subjoin

: of, relating to, or constituting a verb form or set of verb forms that represents an attitude toward or concern with a denoted act or state not as fact but as something entertained in thought as contingent or possible or viewed emotionally (as with doubt, desire, will)

the subjunctive mood

bless in “God bless you” and write in “I suggest that he write a letter” are subjunctive verb forms

— compare imperative , indicative

II. noun

( -s )

1. : the subjunctive mood ; also : a verb or verbal form denoting it

2. : subjunctive equivalent

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.