/ˈæləkjʊtɪv/ AL-uh-kyoo-tiv

Definitions

1. adjective

Relating to or denoting the use of the second person in grammar, especially in the formation of the verb ‘to be’ in the present tense.

“The allocutive form of the verb ‘to be’ in French is ‘est’, ‘es’, and ‘est’.”

2. noun

A grammatical form of a verb that expresses the second person (you).

“In many languages, the allocutive form is used to express a command or a request.”

3. noun

A person or thing that is addressed in a particular allocutive form.

“In the allocutive form ‘thou’, the person being addressed is typically someone of higher social status.”