adverb

¹ad·verb

noun \ˈad-ˌvərb\

Definition of ADVERB

: a word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages, typically serving as a modifier of a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a preposition, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence, expressing some relation of manner or quality, place, time, degree, number, cause, opposition, affirmation, or denial, and in English also serving to connect and to express comment on clause content — compare adjunct, conjunct, disjunct

Examples of ADVERB

1. In “arrived early,” “runs slowly,” “stayed home,” and “works hard” the words “early,” “slowly,” “home,” and “hard” are adverbs.

Origin of ADVERB

Middle English adverbe, from Middle French, from Latin adverbium, from ad- + verbum word — more at word

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

Rhymes with ADVERB

acerb, disturb, exurb, perturb, potherb, pro-verb, proverb, reverb, suburb, superb

²adverb

adjective

Definition of ADVERB

: adverbial

First Known Use of ADVERB

1879

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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