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ergative |
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ergative [ˈɜːgətɪv] Linguistics adj 1. (Linguistics) denoting a type of verb that takes the same noun as either direct object or as subject, with equivalent meaning. Thus, ``fuse'' is an ergative verb: ``He fused the lights'' and ``The lights fused'' have equivalent meaning 2. (Linguistics) denoting a case of nouns in certain languages, for example, Eskimo or Basque, marking a noun used interchangeably as either the direct object of a transitive verb or the subject of an intransitive verb 3. (Linguistics) denoting a language that has ergative verbs or ergative nouns n
1. (Linguistics) an ergative verb 2. (Linguistics) an ergative noun or case of nouns [from Greek ergatēs a workman + -ive] Translations How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Finally, Hook's "On Identifying the Conceptual Restructuring of Passive as Ergative in Indo-Aryan" evaluates the Old Indo-Aryan passive and the New Indo-Aryan ergative constructions in the context of a typological discussion of similar structures in other language families. |
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