¹adjective

adjective ad·jec·tive \ˈa-jik-tiv also ˈa-jə-tiv\

Definition of ADJECTIVE

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

: not standing by itself : dependent

: requiring or employing a mordant <adjective dyes>

: 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

: a word that describes a noun or a pronoun

Full 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

See adjective defined for English-language learners

See adjective defined for kids

First Known Use of ADJECTIVE

14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

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

ADJECTIVE[1] Defined for Kids

adjective

noun ad·jec·tive \ˈa-jik-tiv\

Definition of ADJECTIVE for Kids

: a word that says something about a noun or pronoun <In the phrases “good people,” “someone good,” “it's good to be here,” and “they seem very good” the word “good” is an adjective.>