adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   Mode expressing a wish, a prayer.

   "The precative expresses a wish (may...!); it is formed by preposing the particle lu to the stative or the preterite."

Adjective

1. 1
   Resembling or pertaining to an entreaty.

Adjective

1. 1
   expressing entreaty or supplication wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms

beseechingprecatoryadjuratoryadorantadoringappealing

Example

More examples

"The precative expresses a wish (may...!); it is formed by preposing the particle lu to the stative or the preterite."

Etymology

From Latin precativus (“of prayer”), derived from precatio (“prayer”).

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.