Embedded Files
Overview of the Dative
Overview of the Dative
The dative case in Latin is a grammatical case that is used to show relationships between objects or people and actions, beyond that of the direct object. It generally indicates the person for whom an action occurred or a quality exists. There are many different forms and uses of the dative that are used in specific circumstances.
The Dative of Reference usually refers to another person or a living creature. It shows that a person is receiving an advantage or disadvantage. It is similar to indirect object but is used slightly differently because it describes an action before it is actually completed.
The Dative of Purpose is used to express the idea of “purpose” in a single noun, meaning it is often used as a shorter replacement for a purpose clause. It answers the question “for what purpose does something exist? It can be translated as a predicate nominative when used as a form of “sum, esse.”
The Dative of Possession is used with a form of sum/esse and usually involves a person or living creature in order to show ownership.
The Dative of Agent is not used with a preposition, usually translated as “by ____” (or figuratively as a subject). It is used in poetry with any passive form, usually a participle but in prose ONLY with a passive periphrastic.
The Dative as an indirect object is the “default” (most basic and common) use of the dative. It is used to refer to something that is being done, mostly used with verbs of giving, showing, or telling.
There are certain verbs that must be accompanied by a noun in the dative case. A compound verb is a form of a verb (typically the verb “to be”), that is compounded with a preposition attached directly to the root verb.
There are some verbs that are not compound verbs that still must be accompanied by the dative. They are known as special verbs. The only way to know whether a verb is a special verb is to memorize a list of these verbs.
The Double Dative is a construction consisting of two different kinds of datives. The dative of purpose is often used together with the dative of reference. This is because datives of reference suggest advantage or disadvantage, so the dative of purpose provides additional information about the purpose of the advantage/disadvantage.
Page updated
Report abuse