adjective

UK: ˈædʒɪktɪv | US: ˈædʒɪktɪv

Definition

  1. n. a word that describes or modifies a noun (e.g., "happy," "blue," "quick")

  2. n. (grammar) a part of speech expressing attributes of nouns

Structure
ad <to, toward>ject <throw>ive <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "adjective" originates from Latin adjectivum, meaning "that which is added." It combines ad- (toward) and jacere (to throw), reflecting the idea of "throwing" or attaching qualities to nouns. Over time, adjectivum evolved into Old French adjectif, later entering Middle English as "adjective." The morpheme -ive marks it as an adjective itself, creating a meta-linguistic term for a word class.

Examples

  1. In the phrase "a bright sun," "bright" is an adjective.

  2. Adjectives can specify qualities like size, color, or emotion.

  3. She used too many adjectives in her essay, making it flowery.

  4. Some languages place adjectives after the nouns they modify.

  5. "Descriptive" is an adjective derived from the verb "describe."