gerundive

English edit

Etymology edit

From Latin gerundīvus (“of a gerund”), from gerundium (“gerund”), from gerundus (“which is to be carried out”), future passive participle (gerundive) of gerō (“carry, bear”).

Pronunciation edit

(UK) IPA^(key): /dʒəˈɹʌndɪv/
Audio (UK) (file)

Noun edit

gerundive (plural gerundives)

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

Usage notes edit

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. “things that ought to be done,” not just “things to be done”) conveys the sense of necessity from the Latin gerundive.