directive verb

[/dɪˈrɛktɪv vɜrb/]
nounpl: directive verbs
verbo diretivo
1. A verb that expresses commands, requests, or instructions directed toward another person or entity to perform an action
In the sentence 'Please sit down,' the verb 'sit' functions as a directive verb.
Na sentença 'Por favor, sente-se', o verbo 'sentar' funciona como um verbo diretivo.
2. A verb form used in the imperative mood or used with modal auxiliary verbs to issue directives
The directive verb 'must go' in 'You must go now' expresses obligation.
O verbo diretivo 'deve ir' em 'Você deve ir agora' expressa obrigação.
3. In linguistic classification, verbs that primarily function to direct action or behavior
Command verbs like 'tell,' 'ask,' 'order,' and 'instruct' are directive verbs.
Verbos de comando como 'dizer', 'pedir', 'ordenar' e 'instruir' são verbos diretivos.
The term 'directive verb' is primarily used in linguistic and grammatical education in both Brazil and the United States. It is more commonly encountered in academic writing, language instruction, and linguistic analysis rather than in casual conversation. In Brazilian educational contexts, understanding directive verbs is important for teaching imperative mood and command structures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
command verbimperative verbperformative verbdirective speech act
Antonyms / Antônimos
descriptive verbstative verbdeclarative verb

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
verbo diretivo
Standard term used in linguistic and grammatical contexts
São Paulo
verbo diretivo / verbo de comando
Both terms used interchangeably in academic contexts
Portugal
verbo diretivo
Used in formal linguistic terminology; less common in everyday speech
General American English
directive verb
Primarily used in linguistic and grammatical analysis

Related Words

imperative moodcommandrequestinstructionmodal auxiliaryspeech act

Related Idioms & Phrases

give someone a directive
follow directives
issue a directive
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