adjective

Definition

A word that modifies a noun or noun phrase or describes a noun’s referent.

Etymology

From Middle English adjectif, adjective, from Old French adjectif, from Latin adiectivus, from adiciō + -īvus, from ad- (“to, towards, at”) + iaciō (“throw”). The Latin word adiectivus in turn was a calque of Ancient Greek ἐπιθετικόν (epithetikón, “added”), a derivative of the compound verb ἐπιτίθημι (epitíthēmi), from which also comes epithet.

Example Sentences

• "The words “big” and “heavy” are English adjectives."
• ""They'll have to invent new adjectives when I come back. You wait!""
• ""We have fallen into the culture of adjectives and adverbs, and we have forgotten the strength of nouns," he said."