infinitive

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The basic form of a verb, usually used with "to", as in "to run" or "to eat".

   In the sentence "I want to leave", the infinitive is "to leave".

2. 2
   adj

   Relating to or formed with the infinitive form of a verb.

   The grammar book explains the infinitive form in detail.

From Middle English infenitife (“without end, in perpetuity”), from Late Latin īnfīnītīvus (“unlimited, indefinite”), from Latin īnfīnītus (“unlimited, infinite”). By surface analysis, infinite + -ive.

Topics