Dative

usgb/ˈdeɪtɪv/
adjective

Relating to the grammatical case that, in some languages, is used for indirect objects. An indirect object is the person or thing who receives the action of a verb.

In the sentence 'I gave him a book.', 'him' is in the dative case.
Visual representation of "dative" - Relating to the grammatical case that, in some languages, is used for indirect objects. An indirect object is the person or thing who receives the action of a verb.

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "dative"
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Language Specific

Dative case exists in some languages, but not in English.

Illustration for Language Specific
In German, 'dem Freund' is dative, but in English, we say 'to the friend'.
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Use After Verbs

Dative is used after certain verbs to indicate to whom or for whom something is done.

Illustration for Use After Verbs
In the phrase 'She wrote her friend a letter,' 'her friend' would be dative in some languages.
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No English Equivalent

English doesn't have a dative case, but knowing it helps understand other languages.

Illustration for No English Equivalent
Learning dative helps when you study German, Russian, or Latin.
Visual representation of the word "Dative"

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