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Definitions from the Web

Dying Predicate

Description:

A dying predicate is a term used in linguistics to describe a predicate that does not receive the same emphasis or representation as other elements in a sentence, often leading to its eventual disappearance or obsolescence.

Senses and Usages:

• Sense 1: Linguistics - A predicate that is becoming less commonly used in a language.

Example sentence 1: The archaic verb "thou" is a dying predicate in modern English.

Example sentence 2: In Old Norse, the dative case was frequently used as a dying predicate.

• Sense 2: Linguistics - A predicate that is linguistically less prominent or emphasized within a sentence.

Example sentence 1: The gerund "swimming" acts as a dying predicate in the sentence "I enjoy swimming."

Example sentence 2: In the phrase "The cat is sleeping on the mat," "on the mat" functions as a dying predicate.

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