What does causatively mean?
Causatively is an uncommon but precise adverb meaning “in the capacity or manner of a cause.” It is especially useful in grammar, semantics, and related fields where a word, suffix, or construction may indicate causation rather than merely describe an event or relationship. For example, a suffix can be said to function causatively when it gives a verb the sense “make something a particular quality,” as in strengthen, meaning “make strong.” The word also appears in discussions of voice and constructions that assign a role to the cause of an action. In ordinary prose, however, cause, make, or bring about will usually be clearer and more idiomatic. Causatively should not be confused with causally: the former stresses the causative role or function of something, while the latter more generally concerns a causal relationship. Its rarity makes it most valuable for precise linguistic description.
adverbIn the manner of causing or indicating causation; as a cause.
- In the manner of causing or functioning as a cause; so as to indicate causation.
"The suffix -en is used causatively in “strengthen,” meaning “make strong.”"
"The suffix -en is used causatively in “strengthen,” meaning “make strong.”"
"The critic interpreted the passive construction causatively, as though the subject itself were bringing about the action."
Sometimes a suffix is an instruction rather than mere decoration: in “-en,” it can act causatively, meaning “make.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does causatively come from?
Causatively was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to causative. The adjective causative comes from Latin causativus, meaning “causing” or “expressive of causation,” which was derived from causa, “cause.” Related English forms include causal and causation, while accuse and excuse come through related Latin verbs based on the same historical root.
Related word forms
How causatively is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more characteristic of grammatical analysis, semantics, and formal prose than everyday speech. In general writing, verbs such as cause, make, or bring about will usually sound more natural.
Easily confused with causatively
Causatively refers specifically to acting or functioning as a cause, whereas causally refers more generally to a connection involving causation.