English
hypothetical imperative
Hypothetical imperative comes from German hypothetischer Imperativ.
- Germanc. 1650–presenthypothetischer Imperativ
- Englishtodayhypothetical imperative
attested reconstructed ? uncertain or disputed
Lineage
- Germanc. 1650–presenthypothetischer Imperativ
- Englishtodayhypothetical imperative
Every English word from German hypothetischer Imperativ
Today it means
noun A formula that tells one how to act in order to achieve a specific goal, without reflecting on the value of the goal itself. Such an imperative is conditional, i.e., it would only motivate one who already shares the end goal in question.
Language periods are conventional ranges, not dates for this word.
Etymograph / German hypothetischer Imperativ / hypothetical imperative