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- Dictionaryexpletive/ɪkˈspliːtɪv/
noun
- 1. an oath or swear word: "he was greeted by a stream of expletives" Similar
- 2. a word or phrase used to fill out a sentence or a line of verse without adding to the sense. Similar
adjective
- 1. (of a word or phrase) serving to fill out a sentence or line of verse.
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EXPLETIVE definition: 1. a word that is considered offensive: 2. used when an offensive word has been removed from a…. Learn more.
The meaning of EXPLETIVE is a syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy (as in a sentence or a metrical line) without adding to the sense; especially : a word (such as it in 'make it clear which you prefer') that occupies the position of the subject or object of a verb in normal English word order and anticipates a subsequent word or ...
Expletive definition: an interjectory word or expression, frequently profane; an exclamatory oath.. See examples of EXPLETIVE used in a sentence.
Mar 16, 2019 · In English grammar, expletive (pronounced EX-pli-tiv, from Latin, "to fill") is a traditional term for a word—such as there or it—that serves to shift the emphasis in a sentence or embed one sentence in another. Sometimes called a syntactic expletive or (because the expletive has no apparent lexical meaning) an empty word.
There are nine meanings listed in OED's entry for the word expletive, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
a word, especially a rude word, that you use when you are angry, or in pain synonym swear word. He dropped the book on his foot and muttered several expletives under his breath. ‘Why don't you just [expletive deleted] (= used when you edit out a rude word when reporting what somebody has said)?’.
An expletive is a vulgar word that will greatly upset your grandmother if you say it in her presence. An expletive usually sneaks out because you get surprised or angry, like if you stub your toe, you might yell out an expletive.
