Qualificativus

Qualificativus is a grammatical term referring to a type of verbal aspect in certain ancient languages, notably Latin. In Latin, it is traditionally considered a second aorist aspect, attached to the imperfect tense of a verb. The term "qualificativus" was first introduced by the German Latinist Adolf Palmquist in the late 19th century to describe this specific grammatical construction.

The qualificativus is characterized by a unique combination of the imperfect tense and a variety of derived forms, which indicate a contrary-to-expectation action or development. This particular form typically expresses a completed or with-done action, which contrasts with the expectation or norm. The qualificativus is often associated with change of state or transition from one condition to another.

A prime example of the qualificativus is the verb "licuit" meaning "it was possible." When used in the qualificativus, it assumes the form "licuisse," expressing that an action was possible against expectation or contrary to what was expected. For instance, the Latin phrase "licuisse" in the sentence "militares pugnam licuisse, in silentium vertebantur" "The soldiers,learning it was possible, marched in silence," where the qualificativus highlights the unexpected development.