the subjunctive

noun

grammar
: the form that a verb or sentence has when it is expressing a suggestion, wish, uncertainty, possibility, etc.
"I wish it were not so" is in the subjunctive.

Dictionary Entries Near the subjunctive

Cite this Entry

“The subjunctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20subjunctive. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!