adjective

noun

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

(obsolete) A dependent; an accessory.

verb

(transitive) To make an adjective of; to form or convert into an adjective.

(transitive, chiefly as a participle) To characterize with an adjective; to describe by using an adjective.

adjective

(grammar) Adjectival; pertaining to or functioning as an adjective.

(law) Applying to methods of enforcement and rules of procedure.

(chemistry, of a dye) Needing the use of a mordant to be made fast to that which is being dyed.

(obsolete, reflected in the chemical sense, but extinct as a general sense) Incapable of independent function.

Roots

iacioject- · Latin · throw

Synonyms for adjective

adjectivaladj adverbn attributiveadj adverbialadj prepositionn gerundiveadj participlen interjectionn copulativen

Synonyms & related words for adjective

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Words related to adjective

Explore words related to adjective — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include adjectivally, noun, nounal, verb, verbify, phrasal, phrase, verbid. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for adjective

Common synonyms for adjective include adjectival, adverb, attributive, adverbial, preposition, gerundive, participle, interjection — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does adjective come from?

The word adjective breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root ject-, from Latin iacio (“throw”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.