noun
aorist
AY-uh-rist
Aorist (noun) means a verb form found in some languages, often the plain basic form, that presents an action as a complete whole. Example: “Ancient Greek has an aorist as well as a present and a perfect.”
noun
1
grammar A verb form found in some languages, often the plain basic form, that presents an action as a complete whole.
"Ancient Greek has an aorist as well as a present and a perfect."
"The grammar book explains how to form the aorist."
"She underlined every aorist in the passage."
How to use aorist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA verb form in some languages that presents an action as a whole, as a complete event.
When to use it
It is a technical term, used by linguists and students of languages.
Memory tip
The first syllable sounds like the letter A, so say it as "AY-uh-rist".
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
the aorist tense
aorist aspect
the Greek aorist
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Fill the gap
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Ancient Greek has an _____ as well as a present and a perfect.
Etymology
The word comes from Ancient Greek aóristos, meaning unbounded.
Rhymes for aorist
See all rhymes for aorist →Frequently asked questions
What is the aorist in grammar?
The aorist is a verb form found in some languages. Often the plain basic form, it presents an action as a complete whole.
Where does the word aorist come from?
It comes from Ancient Greek aóristos, meaning unbounded.
Which languages have an aorist?
Ancient Greek is one language that has an aorist. The term is used for certain languages.
What is the meaning of aorist?
"aorist" (noun) means a verb form found in some languages, often the plain basic form, that presents an action as a complete whole.
