ergative

n. in English and some other languages, a verb that can be used either transitively or intransitively with the same noun to describe the same action. An example is close in I closed the door or the door closed: The direct object of the transitive verb (here door) becomes the subject of the intransitive verb. Such constructions are of great interest in case grammar and generative grammar.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

vital functions

functions of the body (e.g., respiration, blood circulation of the blood) that are necessary to sustain life. Many vital functions are controlled by the brainstem.