vocative

[vok-uh-tiv] /ˈvɒk ə tɪv/
adjective
1.
Grammar. (in certain inflected languages, as Latin) noting or pertaining to a case used to indicate that a noun refers to a person or thing being addressed.
2.
of, pertaining to, or used in calling, specifying, or addressing.
noun, Grammar
3.
the vocative case.
4.
a word in the vocative, as Latin Paule “O Paul.”.
Origin
1400-50; late Middle English < Latin vocātīvus (cāsus) calling (case), equivalent to vocāt(us) (see vocation) + -īvus -ive
Related forms
vocatively, adverb
Examples from the web for vocative
  • The vocative case is used to address someone or something in direct speech.
British Dictionary definitions for vocative

vocative

/ˈvɒkətɪv/
adjective
1.
relating to, used in, or characterized by calling
2.
(grammar) denoting a case of nouns, in some inflected languages, used when the referent of the noun is being addressed
noun
3.
(grammar)
  1. the vocative case
  2. a vocative noun or speech element
Derived Forms
vocatively, adverb
Word Origin
C15: from Latin phrase vocātīvus cāsus the calling case, from vocāre to call
Word Origin and History for vocative
adj.

mid-15c., "showing the person or thing spoken to," from Middle French vocatif (fem. vocative), from Latin vocativus (casus) "(case of) calling," from vocatus, past participle of vocare "to call" (see voice (n.)). The Latin is a translation of Greek kletike ptosis, from kletikos "related to calling," from kletos "called."