communicative
UK[kəˈmjuː.nɪ.kə.tɪv]US[kəˈmjuː.nəˌkeɪ.t̬ɪv]
adj
Willing, eager, or able to talk or impart information.
adj
Relating to the ability to communicate.
Morpheme Breakdown
commun
ic
ative
commun
common, shared
ic
adjective suffix
ative
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'communicative' is built upon the Latin foundation communis, meaning "common" or "shared," which itself originates from the hypothesized Proto-Indo-European root ko-moin-i-, "held in common." The core logic of communication is the act of making thoughts or information common or shared between individuals. The suffix -ic first attaches to form 'communic,' an obsolete verb stem meaning "to share," which then evolved into the modern verb 'communicate.' The final addition of the suffix -ative transforms the word into an adjective, shifting the meaning from the action itself to a descriptive quality. Thus, the literal morphemic journey—from "common" to "making common" to "characterized by making common"—culminates in the modern abstract sense of being inclined or able to share information and ideas effectively.
Analysis
Structure: commun (common, shared) + ic (adjective suffix) + ative (adjective suffix)
- commun: From Latin communis, meaning "common, public, shared by all or many." In this word, it functions as the core root conveying the concept of sharing.
- ic: A suffix from Latin -icus (Greek -ikos), used to form adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or having the nature of."
- ative: A suffix from Latin -ativus, forming adjectives that mean "tending to, serving for, or characterized by."
Examples
She became more communicative after she felt comfortable with the group.
The course aims to develop communicative competence in a professional setting.
He is intelligent but not very communicative about his personal feelings.