Vocative/ˈvɑːkətɪv/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Direct Speech Used when speaking directly to someone, rather than about them. 'Are you coming, Sarah?' where 'Sarah' is a vocative. Pro Tip 2/3Attention Grabber A vocative can grab someone's attention before you continue with your sentence. 'Doctor, will you look at this?' where 'Doctor' is a vocative. Pro Tip 3/3Emotion Indicator Vocatives can convey emotions, such as frustration or affection. 'My love, I missed you,' using 'My love' as an affectionate vocative.