imperfective

9.5

A verb form that shows an action or state is not finished

noun
/ɪmˈpɜrfɪktɪv/

Specialized

: imperfectivo

In Russian, you must choose between imperfective and perfective verb forms depending on meaning.

Examples

Many Slavic languages distinguish between the imperfective and perfective aspects in their verbs.
Many Slavic languages distinguish between the imperfective and perfective aspects in their verbs.
The imperfective aspect is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions.
The imperfective aspect indicates an ongoing action.
In English, the imperfective form is often used for habitual actions.
In Russian, you must choose between imperfective and perfective verb forms depending on meaning.
The imperfective aspect is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions.

Antonyms

perfective

Specialized

9.4

A verb form that shows an action is finished

Compounds

imperfective aspect

Specialized

9.9

A verb form that shows an action is continuing, repeated, or not finished

Surface Forms

imperfective singular

imperfectives plural

Morphology

imperfective = perfective (semi-transparent) = im + perfect + ive

Formally formed by negating 'perfective' with 'im-', but understanding requires knowledge of the grammatical term 'perfective'.

Etymology

Imperfective comes from the parts im- meaning 'not' and perfect meaning 'finished', plus the ending -ive. So an imperfective verb shows a 'not finished' action — something happening now or often, without a clear start or end.