Adjective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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adjective
[ˈadʒɪktɪv ]
Definitions
grammar
A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it.
Synonyms
descriptive word, qualifying word.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adjective |
Commonly used in educational settings to teach grammar, especially to identify parts of speech.
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| descriptive word |
Informal term often used in everyday conversation to refer to words that describe something.
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| qualifying word |
A more technical term that may be used in linguistic or academic contexts to refer to words that qualify or characterize nouns.
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Examples of usage
- The word 'beautiful' in the sentence 'She is a beautiful girl' is an adjective.
- In the phrase 'big house', the word 'big' is an adjective describing the noun 'house'.
general
A word or phrase that describes a person or thing as having a particular quality.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adjective |
Similar to the first context but can be used in general conversation to explain a word that gives more information about a noun.
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| descriptor |
Used to indicate a word or phrase that describes the properties or characteristics of a noun. Often used in computer science, data analysis, or coding.
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| qualifier |
Used in grammar to specify or clarify a noun or pronoun, usually indicating the degree or extent. Often used in more formal or detailed explanations.
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Examples of usage
- The adjective 'brave' describes someone who is not afraid of danger.
- When we say 'delicious food', 'delicious' is the adjective describing the quality of the food.
linguistics
A word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages and typically serving as a modifier of a noun to denote a quality of the thing named, to indicate its quantity or extent, or to specify a thing as distinct from something else.
Synonyms
describing word, qualifying word.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| adjective |
Generally used in grammatical or educational contexts to refer to words that describe nouns or pronouns.
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| describing word |
Commonly used in everyday language, especially when explaining grammar to children or in casual conversation.
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| qualifying word |
More technical or formal term, typically used in linguistic or scholarly contexts.
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Examples of usage
- In English, adjectives are often used to describe the nouns they modify.
- The color adjectives 'red' and 'blue' describe different qualities of objects.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- In English, adjectives can come before nouns, as in 'brave knight', or after verbs, like 'the knight is brave'.
- Adjectives can be compared using forms like 'big', 'bigger', and 'biggest'.
- They can also have different types, such as descriptive (big), quantitative (three), and demonstrative (this).
Cultural Perspectives
- Different languages have different ways of using adjectives; for example, in Spanish, adjectives often come after nouns.
- In some cultures, the way adjectives are used can influence perception, with positive or negative descriptors shaping narratives.
- In poetry, adjectives are powerful tools for evoking emotions and painting vivid imagery.
Educational Insights
- Teaching adjectives is often a key part of early literacy, helping children create more descriptive sentences.
- Games like 'adjective charades' can make learning fun and interactive, encouraging creativity.
- Adjectives are fundamental in developing a strong vocabulary, enriching both speaking and writing skills.
Pop Culture
- Popular songs often use adjectives to convey emotions, such as 'beautiful', 'lonely' or 'happy'.
- In movies and literature, adjectives help create character depth, making heroes 'valiant' and villains 'sly'.
- Brands often use catchy adjectives in advertising to evoke feelings, like 'refreshing', 'delicious', or 'luxurious'.
Origin of 'adjective'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'adiectivus', meaning 'added' or 'joined to'.
- In the 14th century, English borrowed this term from Old French, emphasizing its role in description.
- Related terms include 'adjectival' (adjective form) and 'adjectively' (how it's used).
The term 'adjective' originated from the Latin word 'adjectivus', which means 'added'. Adjectives have been an essential part of language and grammar since ancient times. The concept of describing or modifying nouns with additional attributes has been present across various languages and civilizations. Through the evolution of linguistics and grammar, adjectives have played a crucial role in enhancing the richness and precision of communication.