op·ta·tive ( p t -t v)adj. 1. Expressing a wish or choice. 2. Grammar a. Of, relating to, or being a mood of verbs in some languages, such as Greek, used to express a wish. b. Designating a statement using a verb in the subjunctive mood to indicate a wish or desire, as in Had I the means, I would do it. n. Grammar 1. The optative mood. 2. A verb or an expression in the optative mood. [Middle English optatif, from Old French, from Late Latin opt  t vus, from Latin opttus, past participle of optre, to wish.]op ta·tive·ly adv. |
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