Absolutive case

In syntax, the absolutive case is the case of the single argument of an intransitive verb and the most patient-like argument of a transitive verb.

See monotransitive alignment for further details.

Polysemy

The term absolutive is also used for a converb in Indic linguistics.

Synonyms

• absolute case
• nominative case (citation form)

Origin

This term apparently originates in Eskimo linguistics, perhaps with Kleinschmidt (1851).

References

• Kleinschmidt, Samuel. 1851. Grammatik der grönländischen Sprache mit teilweisem Einschluß des Labradordialekts. Berlin.

Other languages

• German Absolutiv
• Spanish absolutivo
• Swedish absolutiv
• Russian абсолютив

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