1. in a manner relating to or used in direct address
Usage: grammar

Examples

• The word ‘John’ is used vocatively in the sentence ‘John, come here.’
• She spoke his name vocatively, calling for his attention.
• The comma is placed vocatively when addressing someone directly.
• In ‘Hello, Mary,’ the name Mary functions vocatively.
• The teacher explained how nouns can be used vocatively in speech.