vocatively

Vocatively is an adverb describing the use of a word or form in direct address, i.e., in the vocative function. It derives from the term vocative, which in grammar refers to the case or role used to call or address someone directly. In linguistic description, saying something is used vocatively means it functions as a form of direct address rather than as a subject or object inside a clause.

In languages with a distinct vocative case—such as Latin, Greek, and many Slavic languages—the form of a name or title changes to signal direct address. English, by contrast, typically has no separate vocative case; direct address is indicated mainly by word order, punctuation, and intonation, often using a name or term of address as a separate element within the sentence, for example: "Alice, please send the report." Classical or poetic English sometimes employs an explicit vocative marker such as the archaic "O," as in "O Captain! my Captain!"

The term vocatively is mainly used in linguistic discussion and grammars rather than in everyday speech. It is the adverbial form of vocative and is used to describe how a form is used to address someone directly within discourse. Etymologically, it comes from Latin vocativus, from vocare “to call.” See also vocative case, direct address, and interjection.