Copulative

/ˈkɒpjələtɪv/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or serving to connect or couple things together, especially in grammar where it links a subject to its complement.

Etymology

From Latin 'copulativus,' derived from 'copulare' (to couple). In linguistics, it describes verbs that join rather than show action.

Kelly Says

The verb 'is' is the ultimate copulative verb—it's not an action but a connector, which is why 'She is happy' works so differently from 'She runs happily.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.