Absolutive case

In syntax, the absolutive case is the case of the single argument of an intransitive verb and the most patient-like argument of a transitive verb.

See monotransitive alignment for further details.

Polysemy
The term absolutive is also used for a converb in Indic linguistics.

Synonyms

 * absolute case
 * nominative case (citation form)

Origin
This term apparently originates in Eskimo linguistics, perhaps with Kleinschmidt (1851).

Other languages

 * German Absolutiv
 * Spanish absolutivo
 * Swedish absolutiv
 * Russian абсолютив