optative adjective & noun. ['ɒptǝtɪv, ɒp'teɪtɪv] M16.
[French optatif, -ive from late Latin optativus, from Latin optat-: see OPTATION, -IVE.]
A. adjective.
1. Grammar. Designating or pertaining to a mood expressing wish or desire. M16.

2. Characterized by desire or choice; expressing desire. E17.
b. noun. Grammar. (A verb in) the optative mood. M16.

■ optatively adverb in an optative manner; in the optative mood: E17.

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