dative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the category of nouns serving as the indirect object of a verb
    dative case.

WordNet

Da"tive adjective
Etymology
L. dativus appropriate to giving, fr. dare to give. See 2d Date.
Definitions
  1. (Gram.) Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter object, and is generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.
  2. (Law) (a) In one's gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office. (b) Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; -- said of an officer. (c) Given by a magistrate, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law. Burril. Bouvier.
Da"tive noun
Etymology
L. dativus.
Definitions
  1. The dative case. See Dative, a.

Webster 1913