| dative case |
| Definition - The case that indicates that the marked referent is the verb's indirect object. Notes: 1. English shows this by using prepositions and word order. Highly inflected languages, such as Latin, show this by modifying word endings. |
|
Etymology - The word ultimately derives from the Latin datus, given (from dare, to give). Note: According to the Online Etymology Dictionary: "The Roman convention of closing every article of correspondence by writing given and the day and month — meaning 'given to messenger' — led to date becoming a term for 'the time (and place) stated.'" |
|
Oxford English Dictionary - Its first citation in this sense is from circa 1440: "The thrid Falle is datif case, for there are some that are prowde for they mow gyve." (Gesta Rom. xci. 416 (Add. MS.)) |
