prolative
Definition
Adjective (Linguistics) - Serving to extend or complete the predicate: "prolative" describes a grammatical element, typically a case or a construction, that functions to expand or complete the meaning of a verb or predicate, often by providing additional information such as an object, complement, or adverbial.
Usage Examples
- (This shows how the prolative case extends the predicate by indicating the instrument or path.)
- (Here, 'the dog' is a prolative element that completes the predicate 'walked'.)
Advanced Usage
- Prolative case in Uralic languages: In languages like Finnish and Estonian, the prolative case (often marked by suffixes like -tse or -itse) indicates motion along, through, or by means of a path or medium.
- Example from Finnish: 'Metsän läpi' ('through the forest') uses the prolative ending -n to indicate movement through the forest. (The prolative case extends the verb's meaning by specifying the route.)
Variants and Related Words
- Prolation (n): The act of extending or prolonging; in linguistics, the use of a prolative element.
- The prolation of the predicate was achieved through an adverbial phrase. (The extension of the predicate was done via an adverbial element.)
- Prolative clause (n): A subordinate clause that serves to complete or extend the main clause's predicate.
- In the sentence 'I want him to go', the clause 'him to go' is a prolative clause. (It completes the verb 'want'.)
Synonyms
- Extensive: serving to extend or enlarge.
- Complementary: completing or making whole.
Related Idioms