What does quotative mean?
A quotative is a grammatical feature associated with quoting, especially with introducing another person’s exact words. It can be used as an adjective, as in “quotative form” or “quotative mood,” or as a noun for a form or construction that marks quoted speech. Expressions such as “he said,” “she replied,” and “according to the witness” are often discussed as quotative forms because they signal a shift into speech or reporting. The term is most common in linguistic and grammatical analysis rather than everyday conversation. Its usefulness lies in distinguishing a speaker’s own narrative from words attributed to someone else. Although not the same as a “quotation,” a quotative often provides the grammatical frame through which a quotation is introduced. The word comes from the same root as quote and quotation, and it reflects the broader linguistic practice of marking the boundary between one voice and another.
Of or relating to quotation; especially of a grammatical form or construction introducing quoted speech.
"“He said” is a quotative construction in the analysis of the sentence."
Specialized grammatical term; its exact application depends on the grammatical framework being used.
A grammatical form, mood, or construction that introduces or marks quoted speech.
"The phrase “he said” functions as a quotative before the direct speech that follows."
Less common in general usage than in linguistic or grammatical description.
The quotative is the little grammatical signal that tells us when someone is stepping out of their own voice and repeating another person’s words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quotative come from?
The word is derived from quote, which comes through Old French from Latin quotare, “to count” or “to number.” The same Latin root also gives quotation and quotable, while the wider family ultimately relates to the Latin word quot, meaning “how many.” In modern grammar, quotative developed into a specialized term for forms associated with quotation and direct speech.
Related word forms
How quotative is actually used
This is primarily a specialized grammatical and linguistic term. Its precise use varies by grammatical framework: it may refer broadly to quotation or more narrowly to a form or mood that introduces reported speech.