Adjectival

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌæ.dʒɛkˈtaɪ.vəl/

Definitions

1. Pertaining to words that describe or modify nouns, this term denotes qualities or characteristics associated with adjectives
2. This descriptor relates to the nature of words that provide attributes or qualities to nouns, highlighting their characteristics
3. Connected with or serving the role of an adjective in grammar

Etymology: "Adjectival" is a plain English formation: the adjective "adjective" with the suffix "-al" added. The base comes from Latin "adjectivus," meaning "added" or "attached to," from "adjicere" ("to throw toward" or "to add"), which combined "ad-" ("to") with "jacere" ("to throw"). Grammarians used the Latin noun form to describe words that are thrown onto nouns to qualify them, so the idea of attaching or adding is built into the term itself. The ending "-al" comes from Latin "-alis," which English took through Old French "-al" and Middle English "-al." It was used to turn nouns and other bases into adjectives meaning "relating to" or "of the nature of," so "adjectival" literally means "relating to adjectives."

Synonyms: descriptive, attributive