Factitive

/ˈfæktətɪv/
adjective

Relating to verbs that express the idea of making or creating something.

The word 'build' is a factitive verb because it describes making or creating something.
Visual representation of "factitive" - Relating to verbs that express the idea of making or creating something

Often appears as...

  • factitive verb
  • factitive object

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

adjective

In grammar, relating to a class of verbs that require both a direct and an indirect object to complete the meaning.

In the sentence 'She made him president', 'made' is a factitive verb.
Visual representation of "factitive" - In grammar, relating to a class of verbs that require both a direct and an indirect object to complete the meaning

Often appears as...

  • factitive construction
  • factitive relationship

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adjective

Relating to verbs that express the idea of making or creating something.

The word 'build' is a factitive verb because it describes making or creating something.
Visual representation of "factitive" - Relating to verbs that express the idea of making or creating something

Often appears as...

  • factitive verb
  • factitive object

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

adjective

In grammar, relating to a class of verbs that require both a direct and an indirect object to complete the meaning.

In the sentence 'She made him president', 'made' is a factitive verb.
Visual representation of "factitive" - In grammar, relating to a class of verbs that require both a direct and an indirect object to complete the meaning

Often appears as...

  • factitive construction
  • factitive relationship

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "factitive"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Creating Action

Factitive verbs imply an action that results in creation or transformation.

Illustration for Creating Action
'Nominate' is a factitive verb as in 'They nominated her chairperson.'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Result Focus

The emphasis is often on the result rather than the process of the action.

Illustration for Result Focus
Using 'elect', a factitive verb: 'They elected him mayor.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Active Meaning

Factitive often carries a sense of actively causing something.

Illustration for Active Meaning
'Appoint' is factitive in 'She appointed them to the committee.'
LampPro Tip 1/3

Creating Action

Factitive verbs imply an action that results in creation or transformation.

Illustration for Creating Action
'Nominate' is a factitive verb as in 'They nominated her chairperson.'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Result Focus

The emphasis is often on the result rather than the process of the action.

Illustration for Result Focus
Using 'elect', a factitive verb: 'They elected him mayor.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Active Meaning

Factitive often carries a sense of actively causing something.

Illustration for Active Meaning
'Appoint' is factitive in 'She appointed them to the committee.'
LampPro Tip 1/3

Creating Action

Factitive verbs imply an action that results in creation or transformation.

Illustration for Creating Action
'Nominate' is a factitive verb as in 'They nominated her chairperson.'
LampPro Tip 2/3

Result Focus

The emphasis is often on the result rather than the process of the action.

Illustration for Result Focus
Using 'elect', a factitive verb: 'They elected him mayor.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Active Meaning

Factitive often carries a sense of actively causing something.

Illustration for Active Meaning
'Appoint' is factitive in 'She appointed them to the committee.'
Visual representation of the word "Factitive"

Never forget "Factitive"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top