indeterminate state

English

Noun

indeterminate state (plural indeterminate states)

1. (grammar) A noun form occurring in Afroasiatic languages, when the noun does not bear a determiner – where it would use the determinate state –, nor governs a noun – where it would use the construct state.

Usage notes

Sometimes, but often for Aramaic, the indeterminate state is called the absolute state. But this generally fits more binary noun state systems that contrast the absolute state as the only state not construct state.

Synonyms

• status indeterminatus