What is the definition of Preterite? | Dictionary.net

PRETERITE

\pɹɪtˈɛɹa͡ɪt], \pɹɪtˈɛɹa‍ɪt], \p_ɹ_ɪ_t_ˈɛ_ɹ_aɪ_t]\

Definitions of PRETERITE

2011 - English Dictionary Database
1919 - The Concise Standard Dictionary of the English Language
1914 - Nuttall's Standard dictionary of the English language
1874 - Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language

Sort: Oldest first

(grammar) a verb tense used to relate past action; "the preterite tense"

2011 - English Dictionary Database
By DataStellar Co., Ltd

The tense that expresses absolute past time.

1919 - The Concise Standard Dictionary of the English Language
By James Champlin Fernald

Past; applied to the tense which expresses action or being perfectly past or finished.

1914 - Nuttall's Standard dictionary of the English language
By Nuttall, P.Austin.

In gram., a term applied to a tense which denotes time complete or finished, as, I have written; called also the perfect tense.

1874 - Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language
By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H.

Word of the day

tube well

a well made by driving tube into the earth to stratum that bears water

View More

Nearby Words