dative

Meanings

Adjective

• Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter or indirect object, generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.
• In one’s gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office or other privilege.
• Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; — said of an officer.
• Given by a judge, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law itself.
• Formed by two electrons contributed by one atom; see dative bond.

Noun

• The dative case.

Origin

• From Latin datīvus ("appropriate for giving"), itself from datus (the past participle of dō) + -īvus.