English

Noun

gerundive ‎(plural gerundives)

1. (in Latin grammar) a verbal adjective that describes obligation or necessity, equivalent in form to the future passive participle.
2. (less commonly, in English grammar) a verbal adjective ending in -ing ^[1]

Usage notes

English grammar does not have an exact equivalent to the Latin gerundive. English verbal adjectives ending in -ing are similar, but the Latin gerundive implies a sense of necessity that is lacking from the English construct. For example, the word “agenda” (i.e. “those things that ought to be done,” not just “things to be done”) conveys the sense of necessity from the Latin gerundive.

Related terms

• gerund
• gerundial

Translations

Adjective

gerundive ‎(not comparable)

1. gerundial

Derived terms

• gerundively

References

1. ↑ the Australian Macquarie Dictionary (revised 3rd ed), second sense of Gerundive