Pronunciation: [ˈɒptətˌɪv] (IPA) 
The word "optative" is pronounced as /ˈɒptətɪv/ and is spelled with an "o" followed by a "p" and a "t" to create the "opt" sound. The next two letters, "a" and "t" form the "a" sound, and the word concludes with "ive" to form the adjective. The optative mood is a grammatical feature in some languages where the speaker expresses a wish, desire or hope, making the word "optative" an appropriate term to describe this mood.
The term "optative" refers to a grammatical mood that expresses a wish, desire, or an intention. It is primarily used to convey a sense of hope or a request for something desired. The optative mood is typically found in languages that have distinct verb forms to express this type of meaning.
In linguistic terms, "optative" is a category of verb mood that is separate from indicative (which denotes factual statements) and imperative (which expresses commands). The optative mood is often used to express hypothetical or unreal situations, contrary-to-fact conditions, and expressions of hopes or wishes. It allows speakers or writers to convey their desires or aspirations with emphasis.
The optative mood can involve various verb forms and is characterized by distinct markers or conjugation patterns. These can vary across different languages. In some languages, the optative mood is formed by adding specific suffixes or endings to the stem of the verb, while in others, it is indicated by certain particles or separate words.
Furthermore, the optative mood can occur in different tenses, such as present, past, or future, depending on the temporal context in which the desire or wish is expressed. It is important to note that not all languages have a dedicated optative mood, and the expression of desires or wishes may be constructed using other grammatical structures or verb forms.
Expressive of desire or wishing; in gram., applied to the mood of a verb which expresses desire.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "optative" derives from the Latin term "optativus", which is derived from the verb "optare", meaning "to choose" or "to desire". In Ancient Greek, the equivalent term is "εὐκτικός" (euktikós), which also relates to expressing desires or wishes. Over time, the Latin term "optativus" made its way into various languages, including English, and took on the form "optative", referring to a grammatical mood that indicates desire or wish.
