precatory
English
Etymology
From Late Latin precatorius, from Latin precari (“to pray”).
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈpɹɛ.kə.tə.ɹi/, /ˈpɹɛ.kə.tɹi/
Audio (Southern England): (file) - (US) IPA(key): /ˈpɹɛ.kəˌtɔ.ɹi/
Adjective
precatory (comparative more precatory, superlative most precatory)
- Expressing a wish.
- 1827 December, Sir Walter Scott, The Journal of Sir Walter Scott:
- December 8. . . . A precatory letter from Gillies. I must do Molière for him, I suppose; but it is wonderful that knowing the situation I am in, the poor fellow presses so hard.
- (law) Expressing a wish but not creating any legal obligation or duty.
- precatory words in a will
Synonyms
- (expressing a wish): precative, supplicatory
- (legal): aspirational