Definitions

1. adjective

relating to or given in relation to the giving of something

“The datival relationship between the donor and recipient is crucial in understanding the transaction.”

2. noun

a word or phrase that shows the relationship between the doer of an action and the thing affected by the action

“The datival in the sentence ‘The book was given to my sister by my brother’ indicates the giver of the book.”

3. noun

a word or phrase used to show the person or thing to whom something is given

“The datival in the sentence ‘The gift was for my mother’ shows the recipient of the gift.”