predicative
1 antonym for predicative — opposites grouped by meaning.
Adjective — In grammar, describing an adjective or noun phrase that modifies its subject from within the predicate, rather than sitting directly before the noun.
Antonyms
attributive
How to use predicative
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
predicative adjective
predicative position
used predicatively
predicative use
This is a technical grammar term used mainly in linguistics and language teaching.
Etymology
Predicative was formed in English from the word predicate together with the suffix -ive, which turns a word into an adjective describing a related quality or function.
Full origin of predicative →Frequently asked questions
What does predicative mean in grammar?
It describes an adjective or noun phrase that modifies the subject through the verb, rather than standing directly before the noun it describes.
What is the difference between predicative and attributive?
A predicative adjective follows a linking verb, as in 'the cake is fresh', while an attributive adjective sits before the noun, as in 'the fresh cake'.
Can you give an example of a predicative use?
In the sentence 'the children are asleep', asleep is used predicatively because it follows the verb 'are' rather than coming before 'children'.
