Vocative

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /ˈvÉ‘kÉ™tɪv/
• RP IPA: /ˈvÉ’kÉ™tɪv/

Origin

Late Middle English, from Middle French vocatif, from Latin vocativus ("calling"), from vocatus ("invocation"), from vocare ("to call"), from Proto-Indo-European *wek-, *wekʷ-, *wokʷ- ("give vocal utterance, speak"). See Latin vōx.

Full definition of vocative

Adjective

1. Of or pertaining to calling; used in calling or vocation.
2. (grammar) Used in address; appellative; — said of that case or form of the noun, pronoun, or adjective, in which a person or thing is addressed; as, Domine, O Lord.

Noun

1. (grammar) The vocative case