cognate accusative

Definition: A construction where the object is related in both origin and meaning to the verb that governs it.
Note: This type of object is called a cognate object.
Example: He pooped a bitter poop.
(The word poop is the object of the verb pooped.)
Etymology: The word cognate derives from the Latin com, together + gnatus, born.
Oxford English Dictionary: The term's first citation is from 1874:
"The extent of action of the verb may be expressed by a substantive of the same meaning as the verb (Cognate accusative)."
(Roby Lat. Gram. iv. viii. II. 40)



Please comment

E-Mail: