abessive

[ a-bes-iv ]

/ æˈbɛs ɪv /

Grammar

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adjective

noting a case, as in Finnish, whose distinctive function is to indicate absence or lack.

noun

the abessive case.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of abessive

1890–94; <Latin abess(e) to be distant + -ive

Words nearby abessive

abernethy, aberrant, aberration, Aberystwyth, ab esse, abessive, abet, abetalipoproteinemia, abettor, ab extra, abeyance