ablative

[ ab-luh-tiv ]

/ ˈæb lə tɪv /

Grammar

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adjective

(in some inflected languages) noting a case that has among its functions the indication of place from which or, as in Latin, place in which, manner, means, instrument, or agent.

noun

the ablative case. Abbreviation: abl.

a word in that case, as Troiā in Latin Aenēas Troiā vēnit, “Aeneas came from Troy.”

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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 ablative

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word ablātīvus.See ablate, -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM ablative

ab·la·ti·val

[ab-luh-tahy-vuhl], /ˌæb ləˈtaɪ vəl/, adjective

Words nearby ablative

ablactation, à blanc, ablare, ablate, ablation, ablative, ablative absolute, ablator, ablaut, ablaze, able

Other definitions for ablative (2 of 2)

ablative²

[ a-bley-tiv ]

/ æˈbleɪ tɪv /

adjective

capable of or susceptible to ablation; tending to ablate: the ablative nose cone of a rocket.

Origin of ablative

First recorded in 1560–70; ablate + -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM ablative

ab·la·tive·ly, adverb

How to use ablative in a sentence

Its origin is involved in obscurity: but may it not be a corruption of the Latin ambages, or the singular ablative ambage?
Notes and Queries, Number 194, July 16, 1853|Various
The first three lines might have been expressed by an ablative absolute in two words—Troia euersa.
The Oxford Book of Latin Verse|Various
As in other Indo-Aryan languages, comparison is effected by putting the noun with which comparison is made in the ablative case.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 6|Various
When they come to die, they leave earth with but a single regret: they have never been able fully to compass the ablative.
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Vol. 13|Elbert Hubbard

Satis habere is in construction with an infinitive; contentum esse, generally with an ablative, or with quod.
Dderlein's Hand-book of Latin Synonymes|Ludwig Dderlein

British Dictionary definitions for ablative

ablative

/ (ˈæblətɪv) grammar /

adjective

(in certain inflected languages such as Latin) denoting a case of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives indicating the agent in passive sentences or the instrument, manner, or place of the action described by the verb

noun

the ablative case
a word or speech element in the ablative case

taking away or removingablative surgery

able to disintegrate or be worn away at a very high temperaturea thick layer of ablative material

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012