adjective
Noun · AdjectiveOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)adjectives
- a word that expresses an attribute of somethingType of modifier, qualifierKinds descriptive adjective, superlative, positive, comparative, relational adjective
- the word class that qualifies nounsType of major form class
Adjective (2)
- of or relating to or functioning as an adjective“adjectival syntax”“an adjective clause”Synonyms: adjectival
- relating to court practice and procedure as opposed to the principles of law“adjective law”Synonyms: proceduralOpposite essential
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: See Adjective, noun
1. Added to a substantive as an attribute; of the nature of an adjunct; as, an adjective word or sentence.
2. Not standing by itself; dependent.
Adjective color, a color which requires to be fixed by some mordant or base to give it permanency.
3. Relating to procedure. “The whole English law, substantive and adjective.” Thomas Babington Macaulay
Origin: L. adjectivum (sc. nomen), neut. of adjectivus that is added, fr. adjicere: cf. F. adjectif. See Adject.
1. Grammar A word used with a noun, or substantive, to express a quality of the thing named, or something attributed to it, or to limit or define it, or to specify or describe a thing, as distinct from something else. Thus, in phrase, “a wise ruler,” wise is the adjective, expressing a property of ruler.
2. A dependent; an accessory. Thomas Fuller
To make an adjective of; to form or change into an adjective. rare
Language has as much occasion to adjective the distinct signification of the verb, and to adjective also the mood, as it has to adjective time. It has... adjectived all three.— John Horne Tooke
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54