Etymology From Middle English infenitife (“without end, in perpetuity”), from Late Latin īnfīnītīvus (“unlimited, indefinite”), from Latin īnfīnītus (“unlimited, infinite”). By surface analysis, infinite + -ive.
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Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences The infinitive mood or mode (a grammatical mood).
The MANNERS of acting, in grammar called modes or moods, are four; Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, Subjunctive or Conjunctive.1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 69:
There are four moods, the Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, and Subjunctive. [...] the Infinitive is used to express a thing in a general manner.1857, Henry Tindall, A grammar and vocabulary of the Namaqua-Hottentot language, page 38:
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Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences A non-finite verb form considered neutral with respect to inflection; depending on language variously found used with auxiliary verbs, in subordinate clauses, or acting as a gerund, and often as the dictionary form.
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Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences A verbal noun formed from the infinitive of a verb.
Etymology From Middle English infenitife (“without end, in perpetuity”), from Late Latin īnfīnītīvus (“unlimited, indefinite”), from Latin īnfīnītus (“unlimited, infinite”). By surface analysis, infinite + -ive.
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Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences Formed with the infinitive.
INFINITIVE MOOD or MANNER. To Have, Avoir.1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 70:
In English there are four moods:–1. The Infinitive Mood. 2. The Indicative Mood. 3. the Imperative Mood. 4. The Subjunctive Mood.1858, C. P. Mason, English grammar; including the principles of grammatical analysis, London, page 32:
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Unlimited; not bounded or restricted; undefined.
[…] to search out in some higher region of infinitive space a spot where it was impossible for defilement to follow them […]a. 1823, Cunningham's Sermons (quoted in 1823, The Edinburgh Christian Instructor, volume 23, page 328)