Subjunctive

Origin

From Latin subjunctivus ("serving to join, connecting, in grammar applies to the subjunctive mode"), from subjungere ("to add, join, subjoin"), from sub ("under") + jungere ("to join, yoke"); see join.

Full definition of subjunctive

Adjective

1. (grammar, of a verb) inflected to indicate that an act or state of being is possible, contingent or hypothetical, and not a fact. English examples include so be it; I wouldn’t if I were you; were I a younger man, I would fight back; I asked that he leave.

Noun

1. (grammar, uncountable) The subjunctive mood.
2. (countable) A form in the subjunctive mood.

Related terms

• subjoin