Definition

1. Noun:

   • A word class that modifies nouns: An "adjective" is a part of speech that describes, qualifies, or provides more information about a noun or pronoun, typically expressing attributes like size, color, quality, or state.
   • A word expressing an attribute: It is a specific word that names an attribute of something, such as 'happy', 'large', or 'interesting'.

2. Adjective:

   • Functioning as an adjective: Pertaining to or having the nature of an adjective.
   • Relating to procedural law: In legal contexts, "adjective" refers to matters of court practice and procedure, as opposed to substantive law.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In the phrase "a blue sky," the word "blue" is an adjective.
  • "Beautiful," "old," and "fast" are all examples of adjectives.
• Adjective:
  • The term "adjectival" is the adjective form related to adjectives.
  • Adjective law deals with the rules of legal process.

Advanced Usage

• Adjectival function: When a word or phrase (like a participle or clause) acts like an adjective to modify a noun.
  • In "the running water," the word "running" serves an adjectival function.
• Postpositive adjective: An adjective that follows the noun it modifies, common in certain phrases or languages.
  • In "attorney general," the word "general" is a postpositive adjective.

Variants and Related Words

• Adjectival (adj): Of, relating to, or functioning as an adjective.
  • "Adjectival phrase" describes a group of words that functions as an adjective.
• Adjectivally (adv): In the manner of an adjective.

Synonyms

• Modifier: A word, especially an adjective or adverb, that qualifies the sense of another word.
• Qualifier: A word (especially an adjective) that attributes a quality to another word.

Related Phrases

• Adjective phrase: A phrase that functions as an adjective within a sentence.
  • "Very tall" in "a very tall building" is an adjective phrase.
• Compound adjective: An adjective formed from two or more words, often hyphenated.
  • "Well-known" is a compound adjective.

Related Idioms

• To be of an adjective nature: To have descriptive or qualifying characteristics (a formal/literary usage).
  • His remarks were more adjective than substantive, focusing on descriptions rather than facts.

Adjective

1. relating to court practice and procedure as opposed to the principles of law
   • adjective law
2. of or relating to or functioning as an adjective
   • adjectival syntax
   • an adjective clause

Noun

1. the word class that qualifies nouns
2. a word that expresses an attribute of something