adjective

¹ad·jec·tive

adj \ˈa-jik-tiv also ˈa-jə-tiv\

Definition of ADJECTIVE

1

: of, relating to, or functioning as an adjective <an adjective clause>

2

: not standing by itself : dependent

3

: requiring or employing a mordant <adjective dyes>

4

: procedural <adjective law>

— ad·jec·tive·ly adverb

Origin of ADJECTIVE

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French adjectif, from Late Latin adjectivus, from Latin adjectus, past participle of adjicere to throw to, from ad- + jacere to throw — more at jet

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile