Infinitívust

Infinitívust is a term used in linguistic descriptions to denote a specific non-finite verb form that is distinct from the ordinary infinitive. In languages or grammars that recognize it, infinitívust typically functions as a nominal or clause-head form used to express an action in a general or abstract sense, rather than as a finite predicate.

Morphology and usage are central to the concept. Infinitívust is usually formed by adding a dedicated suffix to the verb stem, with the suffix most commonly resembling -ust, though realisations vary across languages. It generally lacks tense, person, and mood markings, and it may bear case markings or clitic elements to indicate its syntactic role (for example as subject, object, or complement). Semantically, it often overlaps with nominalized infinitives or verbal nouns, but grammars employing the term treat it as a distinct morphosyntactic category.

Distribution and scholarly status vary. Infinitívust is not a universally recognized category in mainstream grammars. It appears mainly in descriptive grammars of particular languages, in typological discussions of non-finite forms, or in descriptions of constructed languages. Some linguists prefer analyses that treat analogous forms as specialized infinitives, verbal nouns, or participial clauses rather than as a separate class.

Example (illustrative, hypothetical): In Language X, the verb to eat yields eat-ust, a form used as a subject: Eat-ust supports daily life. It can also appear in purpose clauses: I study eat-ust to improve nutrition. This example is for illustration and reflects how infinitívust might be described in a specific grammar. See also infinitive, verbal noun, non-finite clause.