adjective
Adjective (noun) means a word that describes or modifies a noun, such as "tall," "blue," or "happy.". Example: “In "the red car," "red" is the adjective.”
How to Use Adjective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA describing word — it tells you more about a noun, like its color, size, or quality.
Ask "what kind?" or "which one?" about a noun — the word that answers is usually an adjective.
Trace the full origin ↓Word Forms
adjectived past tense, adjectives plural, adjectives singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
In "the red car," "red" is the _____.
Etymology
From Latin adiectivus, "added on," from adicere ("to throw toward, to add"). This was a translation of the Greek grammatical term for a word "added" to a noun.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for adjective
See all rhymes for adjective →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “adjective” mean?
The word “adjective” means a word that describes or modifies a noun, such as "tall," "blue," or "happy.". In plain terms, a describing word — it tells you more about a noun, like its color, size, or quality.
How do you pronounce “adjective”?
“Adjective” is pronounced AJ-ihk-tihv (/ˈæd͡ʒ.ɪk.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “adjective” in a sentence?
Here is “adjective” used in a sentence: “In "the red car," "red" is the adjective.”
What is another word for “adjective”?
Words with a similar meaning to “adjective” include adjective noun, adnoun, describing word, description word, noun adjective and adjectify.
What part of speech is “adjective”?
“Adjective” is a noun.
Where does the word “adjective” come from?
The word “adjective” comes from Latin. From Latin adiectivus, "added on," from adicere ("to throw toward, to add"). This was a translation of the Greek grammatical term for a word "added" to a noun.
Is “adjective” a common word?
“Adjective” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
Featured In
Vocabulary lists that include adjective: