DictionaryaspectAction viewed through time
noun

aspect

A grammatical category showing how an action unfolds in time.

The verb phrase is showing progressive aspect.

Etymology

Latin ad- and specere express looking toward something. Grammatical aspect concerns how an action is viewed internally, for example as ongoing, completed, or repeated.

More examples

  • English can express aspect with auxiliary verbs.
  • The lesson compares perfect and progressive aspect.
  • Tense locates an event in time, while aspect describes its unfolding.

Forms

aspect · aspects

Similar words

tense
Locates an action in time rather than describing its unfolding or completion.
mood
Expresses attitude or possibility rather than the event's unfolding.