fed·er·a·tive \ˈfedəˌrā]d.]iv, ˈfed(ə)rə], ]t], ]ēv also ]əv\adjective Etymology: Latin foederatus + English -ive : of or relating to a federation or covenant or its formation : based on or inclined to federation • fed·er·a·tive·ly\]ə̇vlē, -li\adverb