tenselessadj.
Having no tenses or distinctions of tense (loosely, not having the ordinary function of a tense, i.e. not expressing time).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > tense > [adjective] > having a tense > not
timeless1817
tenseless1886
1886 W. G. Hale in Amer. Jrnl. Philol. 7 459 The tenseless phrase in order to, used alike for present and past purposes in English, fails to convey the temporal ideas conveyed by the Latin present and imperfect subjunctive.
1889 Classical Rev. Feb. 9 Maintaining that the tenses of the subjunctive are not tenseless.., but have each their proper temporal significance.
Derivatives
ˈtenselessness n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > tense > [noun] > lack of
tenselessness1886
1886 W. G. Hale in Amer. Jrnl. Philol. 7 59 A sweeping doctrine like that of the tenselessness of all dependent subjunctives.
Draft additions 1993
ˈtenselessly adv. without (distinctions of) tense.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of grammar > tense > [adverb] > not
tenselessly1961
1961 in N. Webster
1981 F. Inglis Promise of Happiness i. 19 In age, they speak in the imperfect tense... In youth, they speak tenselessly.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2019).
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adj.1886