B2 noun Neutral

adjective

/ˈædʒɪktɪv/

An adjective is a part of speech that modifies or describes a noun or pronoun by providing more information about its qualities, size, age, or origin. It typically appears before the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb to provide additional detail about the subject.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.

I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.

2

The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.

The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.

3

That pizza was totally awesome!

That pizza was totally awesome!

Word Family

Noun
adjective
Verb
adjectivize
Adverb
adjectivally
Adjective
adjectival
Related
adjectivization
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word as an 'ADD-jective' because you are ADDING detail or description to a noun.

Quick Quiz

Identify the word type: In the sentence 'The heavy rain caused flooding', the word 'heavy' is an ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: adjective

Examples

1

I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.

everyday

I found a shiny coin on the sidewalk.

2

The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.

formal

The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.

3

That pizza was totally awesome!

informal

That pizza was totally awesome!

4

The researcher utilized quantitative methods to analyze the demographic data.

academic

The researcher utilized quantitative methods to analyze the demographic data.

5

Our quarterly results show a significant increase in international sales.

business

Our quarterly results show a significant increase in international sales.

Word Family

Noun
adjective
Verb
adjectivize
Adverb
adjectivally
Adjective
adjectival
Related
adjectivization

Common Collocations

comparative adjective comparative adjective
superlative adjective superlative adjective
attributive adjective attributive adjective
compound adjective compound adjective
possessive adjective possessive adjective

Common Phrases

string of adjectives

string of adjectives

adjective order

adjective order

proper adjective

proper adjective

Often Confused With

adjective vs adverb

Adjectives describe nouns or pronouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

📝

Usage Notes

In English, multiple adjectives must follow a specific sequence: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose. For example, we say 'a beautiful large old round brown French wooden dining table' rather than mixing the order.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is trying to pluralize an adjective to match a plural noun; adjectives in English remain singular regardless of the noun's number (e.g., 'the big houses', not 'the bigs houses').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word as an 'ADD-jective' because you are ADDING detail or description to a noun.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'adiectivum', which literally means 'that which is added' or 'added to'.

Grammar Patterns

Typically placed before nouns (attributive) Can be placed after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'feel' (predicative) Generally does not change form for gender or number

Quick Quiz

Identify the word type: In the sentence 'The heavy rain caused flooding', the word 'heavy' is an ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: adjective

Related Words

homovestency

C1

Refers to the practice or state of wearing clothing that corresponds to one's own biological sex or gender identity. It is a technical term used primarily in psychological and sociological contexts to distinguish traditional dressing habits from cross-dressing or transvestism.

binavent

C1

To divide a single process, stream, or strategy into two distinct but parallel channels or outcomes. It is primarily used in technical or procedural contexts to describe the intentional and strategic splitting of resources or workflows to increase efficiency or manage complexity.

subclamious

C1

Describing a sound or environment that is moderately noisy or somewhat clamorous. It refers to a level of vocalization or background noise that is audible and potentially disruptive but falls short of a full, overwhelming clamor.

autographhood

C1

The state, quality, or condition of being an autograph or a handwritten original document. It refers to the status of a text or signature as having been personally inscribed by the individual it is attributed to.

prologcide

C1

Describing an action, policy, or mindset that involves the intentional destruction, removal, or bypassing of a prologue or introductory phase. It characterizes anything that seeks to eliminate the 'start' to reach the core or conclusion immediately.

inlegal

C1

A non-standard or archaic variation of the word 'illegal', referring to actions or conditions that are prohibited by law or official regulations. In modern English, it is primarily used as a distractor in language proficiency tests or found in non-native speech before prefix assimilation occurs.

hyperfacsion

C1

Describing a state of extreme fragmentation or division within a group, organization, or political body into numerous, often hostile, competing factions. It implies a level of discord where constructive cooperation is paralyzed by excessive micro-divisions.

dispetism

C1

To engage in a systematic and often petty rejection of established norms or authoritative directives. It describes the act of obstructing progress through deliberate non-compliance or by treating formal requirements with calculated contempt.

interautoite

C1

To automatically synchronize or integrate multiple autonomous systems or self-regulating processes into a unified whole. It is used to describe the seamless interaction between independent units that function without external intervention.

autolaudible

C1

Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is characterized by self-praise or self-commendation. It refers to the act of highlighting one's own merits or achievements, often used in a critical sense to imply vanity.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free