adjective

¹ad·jec·tive

adjective \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

²adjective

noun

Definition of ADJECTIVE

: 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

Examples of ADJECTIVE

1. The words blue in “the blue car,” deep in “the water is deep,” and tired in “I'm very tired” are adjectives.

First Known Use of ADJECTIVE

14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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