Description:

The modifier 'ate' is the word for the number one. It has the distinction that it always takes singular agreement, where all other numbers including zero and negative one take the paucal. It may be used in ordinary singular constructions for emphasis of the singularity of the head. For example, the New World Order slogan, 'Na ate Onpa', translating as 'One World'.

Refer to the attached article to explain all of the usages as a noun and a verb, as well as as a noun or verbal modifier. The one special note is that while for other numbers, the verbal meaning is to multiply by that number, so that using kawa, two, in its verb form kawan means 'to double', 'ate' has the special meaning 'to make single', 'to unify'.

In a verbal context, 'ate' means 'once' and 'ates' means 'firstly'. 'Ate' can also convey the idea of 'ever'.

Forms: