Adverbial: meaning, definitions and examples

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adverbial

 

[ ədˈvɜːrbɪəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

grammar usage

The term 'adverbial' refers to anything that functions like an adverb within a sentence. Adverbials can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about how, when, where, or to what extent an action occurs. They can be single words, phrases, or clauses. Understanding adverbials is essential for creating nuanced and detailed sentences in English.

Synonyms

adverbial clause, adverbial phrase, modifier

Examples of usage

  • She sings beautifully.
  • He will arrive tomorrow.
  • They waited impatiently.

Translations

Translations of the word "adverbial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 advérbio

🇮🇳 क्रियाविशेषणात्मक

🇩🇪 Adverbial

🇮🇩 adverbial

🇺🇦 обставинний

🇵🇱 przysłówkowy

🇯🇵 副詞的な

🇫🇷 adverbial

🇪🇸 adverbial

🇹🇷 zarf

🇰🇷 부사적

🇸🇦 ظرفي

🇨🇿 příslovečný

🇸🇰 príslovkový

🇨🇳 副词的

🇸🇮 prislovni

🇮🇸 atviksorð

🇰🇿 қыстырғыш

🇬🇪 მოქმედებითი

🇦🇿 zərf

🇲🇽 adverbial

Etymology

The term 'adverbial' originates from the Middle English word 'adverbiel,' which itself is derived from the Latin 'adverbialis.' The Latin term combines 'ad' (to) and 'verbum' (word), signifying something related to or modifying a verb. The evolution of the word reflects its role in grammar as a descriptor that enhances the action of a verb, adding depth and detail. In the history of linguistics, the study of adverbials has been crucial for understanding how language structures meaning and nuance. This grammatical category has become increasingly important in modern linguistics, particularly in the analysis of sentence structure and syntax.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,868, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.