copula
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linking verb
Linking verbs (also known as copulas or copular verbs) are used to describe the state of being of the subject of a clause. Unlike action verbs (also called dynamic verbs), they connect the subject to the predicate of the clause without expressing any action.
cop·u·la
(kŏp′yə-lə)n.
1. A verb, such as a form of be or seem, that identifies the predicate of a sentence with the subject. Also called linking verb.
2. Logic The word or set of words that serves as a link between the subject and predicate of a proposition.
[Latin cōpula, link.]
cop′u·lar (-lər) adj.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
copula
(ˈkɒpjʊlə)n, pl -las or -lae (-ˌliː)
1. (Grammar) a verb, such as be, seem, or taste, that is used merely to identify or link the subject with the complement of a sentence. Copulas may serve to link nouns (or pronouns), as in he became king, nouns (or pronouns) and adjectival complements, as in sugar tastes sweet, or nouns (or pronouns) and adverbial complements, as in John is in jail
2. anything that serves as a link
3. (Logic) logic the often unexpressed link between the subject and predicate terms of a categorial proposition, as are in all men are mortal
[C17: from Latin: bond, connection, from co- together + apere to fasten]
ˈcopular adj
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
cop•u•la
(ˈkɒp yə lə)n., pl. -las, -lae (-ˌli)
1. something that connects or links together.
2. Also called linking verb. a verb, as be, seem, or look, that serves as a connecting link or establishes an identity between subject and complement.
3. the connecting link between the subject and predicate of a proposition.
cop′u•lar, adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
copula
A verb that identifies or links the subject with the predicate in a sentence, for example, “looks” in “She looks very happy today.”
Dictionary of Unfamiliar Words by Diagram Group Copyright © 2008 by Diagram Visual Information Limited
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| Noun | 1. | copula - an equating verb (such as `be' or `become') that links the subject with the complement of a sentence verb - a content word that denotes an action, occurrence, or state of existence |
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