noun
B1
Intermediate
infinitive
in-FIN-ih-tiv
Infinitive (noun) means the basic form of a verb, not tied to any person or tense, and often the form listed in a dictionary. Example: “In the phrase "to go", the infinitive is "go".”
noun
1
grammar The basic form of a verb, not tied to any person or tense, and often the form listed in a dictionary.
"In the phrase "to go", the infinitive is "go"."
"The infinitive of "am", "is" and "are" is "be"."
"Many languages mark the infinitive with a special ending."
How to use infinitive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe plain, untensed form of a verb, such as "be" or "go".
When to use it
It is a grammar term, used mostly when teaching or discussing language.
Memory tip
Look up a verb in a dictionary and the headword you see is normally its infinitive.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the infinitive form
use the infinitive
the infinitive of a verb
a verb in the infinitive
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the phrase "to go", the _____ is "go".
Etymology
The word comes through Middle English from Late Latin infinitivus, meaning unlimited or indefinite, which came from Latin infinitus. It can also be analysed as infinite plus the ending -ive.
Rhymes for infinitive
See all rhymes for infinitive →Frequently asked questions
What is an infinitive in grammar?
An infinitive is a verb form that is not limited to a particular person or tense. It is often the form you find as the dictionary entry for a verb.
Where does the word infinitive come from?
It comes from Late Latin infinitivus, meaning unlimited, via Middle English. The Latin source is infinitus, the root of the word infinite.
What is the difference between an infinitive and a finite verb?
A finite verb is tied to a subject and a tense, while an infinitive is not. That is why the infinitive is treated as a neutral form of the verb.
What is the meaning of infinitive?
"infinitive" (noun) means the basic form of a verb, not tied to any person or tense, and often the form listed in a dictionary.
