Vocabulary word Missive - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

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Language and Expression 1

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Prefix mis-

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Dictionary Definition of missive

A formal or official letter, message, or communication, typically written and sent with a specific purpose or intention.
"The company's CEO sent a missive to all employees, outlining the company's new vision."

Detailed Meaning of Missive

Missives can take various forms, such as letters, emails, memos, or documents, and they are often used in business, diplomacy, or official correspondences. Unlike casual or informal messages, missives are usually well-crafted and structured, conveying important information, instructions, requests, or announcements. They may also carry a sense of authority or formality, depending on the context in which they are used. The term "missive" emphasizes the seriousness and purposefulness of the communication, distinguishing it from casual or everyday correspondence.

Example Sentences for Missive

1. The missive contained important instructions for the upcoming project.
2. She eagerly awaited the missive from her favorite author about their new book.
3. The general sent a missive to his troops, urging them to stay vigilant.
4. The missive was lost in the mail, causing delays in the project.
5. Her missive to the company's customer service team led to a quick resolution of the issue.
6. The prince received a missive from the neighboring kingdom, offering a peace treaty.

Origin and Etymology of Missive

The noun 'missive' traces its origins to the Latin word 'missivus,' which is the past participle of 'mittere,' meaning 'to send.' This Latin term signifies something that is sent or dispatched. The etymology of 'missive' emphasizes its nature as a communication that is sent with purpose and intention. In English, 'missive' has come to denote a formal or official letter or message, often written and sent with a specific objective in mind, such as conveying information, issuing instructions, or making a formal request. The word 'missive' retains its connection to the act of sending and receiving written communications, echoing its historical roots in Latin.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun missive:

conversation

letter

silence

speech

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More Usage Examples of Missive

1. She carefully composed a missive to her best friend, pouring out her heart.
2. The missive from the government warned citizens of an impending storm.
3. His missive to his parents explained his decision to change his major in college.
4. The missive he wrote to his ex-girlfriend was never sent, as he realized it would do more harm than good.
5. She received a mysterious missive from an anonymous sender.
6. The diplomatic missive conveyed urgent peace proposals.
7. His heartfelt missive expressed deep love and longing.
8. The CEO sent a missive outlining the company's new strategy.
9. The royal missive announced the monarch's upcoming visit.
10. A missive from the president addressed the nation's concerns.
11. The missive arrived in a sealed envelope marked "confidential."
12. His resignation missive shocked colleagues and superiors.
13. The official missive requested a meeting of world leaders.
14. The historical missive was discovered in an ancient archive.
15. A missive from the principal informed parents of school changes.
16. The love letters exchanged between them were cherished missives.
17. The war missive detailed battle plans and troop movements.
18. The missive conveyed gratitude for the generous donation.
19. A missive from the mayor invited citizens to a town hall meeting.
20. The journalist's investigative missive uncovered corporate fraud.
21. A missive from the court summoned witnesses to testify.
22. The missive contained top-secret information about the mission.
23. The literary missive was a passionate plea for social justice.
24. Her missive to the editor criticized the newspaper's coverage.