Catenative

/ˈkætənətɪv/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being linked or chained together; relating to or characterized by catenation.

Etymology

From Latin 'catena' (chain) plus the suffix '-ative' (meaning having the quality of), describing things that can form chains.

Kelly Says

Linguists use 'catenative verbs' to describe words like 'keep' and 'want' that chain clauses together—'I want to go' is literally a verbal chain where 'want' catenates with 'go'.

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