adjective

dative

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Dative (adjective) means describing the grammatical case used for the indirect object of a verb, often the person or thing that receives something. Example: “German uses the dative case after the preposition mit.”

adjective

Describing the grammatical case used for the indirect object of a verb, often the person or thing that receives something.

"German uses the dative case after the preposition mit."

"In Latin, the word for the recipient of a gift is put in the dative form."

"In English, the dative idea is usually shown with to or for."

noun

The dative case, or a word that is in that case.

"Latin nouns have a dative in both the singular and the plural."

"The teacher asked us to underline every dative in the sentence."

"Some languages have kept the dative, while others have lost it."

How to use dative

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe grammar case for the person or thing on the receiving end of an action.

When to use it

It is a technical term used mainly when discussing grammar and languages.

Memory tip

As a rough guide, the dative is the case for the receiver in a sentence such as she gave him the book.

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Common pairings

dative case dative singular dative plural dative form dative ending

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “dative” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

German uses the _____ case after the preposition mit.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin datīvus, meaning appropriate for giving. That Latin word was formed from datus, the past participle of the verb meaning to give, plus the suffix -ive.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for dative

five give dive live olive drive alive endive strive derive active arrive

See all rhymes for dative →

Frequently asked questions

What does dative mean in grammar?

Dative is the case of a noun that marks the indirect object, usually the one receiving something. In English this idea is normally shown with the words to or for.

Where does the word dative come from?

It comes from the Latin datīvus, meaning appropriate for giving, which is linked to the Latin verb for to give.

Is dative a noun or an adjective?

It is both. As an adjective it describes the case, and as a noun it names the case itself or a word in that case.

What is the meaning of dative?

"dative" (adjective) means describing the grammatical case used for the indirect object of a verb, often the person or thing that receives something.