adjective B2 Upper-Intermediate

predicative

PRED-ih-kuh-tiv

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Predicative (adjective) means In grammar, describing an adjective or noun phrase that modifies its subject from within the predicate, rather than sitting directly before the noun. Example: “In 'the soup is hot', hot is used predicatively.”

adjective

technical In grammar, describing an adjective or noun phrase that modifies its subject from within the predicate, rather than sitting directly before the noun.

"In 'the soup is hot', hot is used predicatively."

"Some adjectives, like 'asleep', can only appear in predicative position."

"The grammar book explained the difference between predicative and attributive uses."

noun

technical In grammar, a word or phrase that completes the predicate by describing the subject or object through the verb.

"In 'she seems happy', happy is the predicative."

"The teacher asked students to identify the predicative in each sentence."

"A predicative can be a noun phrase or an adjective phrase."

How to use predicative

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPredicative describes a word that completes a sentence after a linking verb, rather than sitting right before the noun.

When to use it

This is a technical grammar term used mainly in linguistics and language teaching.

Memory tip

A quick test is whether the adjective can follow 'is' or 'seems' naturally; if so, it can likely be used predicatively.

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Easily confused with

attributive

Common pairings

predicative adjective predicative position used predicatively predicative use

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “predicative” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Some adjectives, like 'asleep', can only appear in _____ position.

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.

Origin: English

Antonyms

attributive

Rhymes for predicative

five give dive live olive drive alive dative endive strive derive active

See all rhymes for 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'.

What is the meaning of predicative?

"predicative" (adjective) means in grammar, describing an adjective or noun phrase that modifies its subject from within the predicate, rather than sitting directly before the noun.