gerund

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun

A verbal form that functions as a verbal noun. (In English, a gerund has the same spelling as a present participle, but functions differently; however, this distinction may be ambiguous or unclear and so is no longer made in some modern texts such as A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language and The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language)
In some languages such as Dutch, Italian or Russian, a verbal form similar to a present participle, but functioning as an adverb to form adverbial phrases or continuous tense. These constructions have various names besides gerund, depending on the language, such as conjunctive participles, active participles, adverbial participles, transgressives, etc.

jěr'-ənd /ˈd͡ʒɛɹənd/ /ˈd͡ʒɛɹʌnd/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-gerund.wav

gerund gerunds

From Latin gerundium, from gerendus (“which is to be carried out”), future passive participle (gerundive) of gerō (“carry, bear”).

gerundal gerund-grinder gerund-grinding gerundial gerundive gerundization gerundize gerund-participle

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