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

ADJECTIVELY 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.>