causative

adjective

caus·​a·​tive ˈkȯ-zə-tiv How to pronounce causative (audio)
1
: effective or operating as a cause or agent
causative bacteria of cholera
2
: expressing causation
specifically : being a linguistic form that indicates that the subject causes an act to be performed or a condition to come into being
causative noun
causatively adverb

Examples of causative in a Sentence

A virus was found to be the causative agent of smallpox.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The health agency listed the causative agent as unknown. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025 Frequently, if the causative problem is addressed, then the breakage will stop, leading to healthy hair growth. —Patty Weasler, Rn, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025 The causative agent of one outbreak remains unknown. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024 The issues are complex, with no single causative factor. —Russell N Myers, Twin Cities, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for causative

Word History

Etymology

Middle English causatyf (as noun; Old Scots causative as adjective), borrowed from Medieval Latin causātīvus, going back to Late Latin, "expressing reason, of a cause," from Latin causātus (past participle of causārī "to plead an action in law, plead as an excuse") + -īvus -ive — more at cause entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of causative was in the 15th century

Rhymes for causative

See All Rhymes for causative

Browse Nearby Words

causationist
causative
causatum
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Causative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/causative. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

causative

adjective
caus·​a·​tive ˈkȯ-zə-tiv How to pronounce causative (audio)
: making something happen or exist
a causative agent of disease

Legal Definition

causative

adjective
caus·​a·​tive ˈkȯ-zə-tiv How to pronounce causative (audio)
1
: effective or operating as a cause
the causative negligent act
2
: causal sense 2
the causative link between stress and coronary artery disease—National Law Journal
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