Gerundive

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dʒəˈrÊŒndɪv/

Origin

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").

Full definition of gerundive

Noun

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

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