Definition

Noun: A type of adjective that places its noun into a specific category or class, rather than describing its qualities. It often indicates a type, membership, or inherent classification.

Usage

A classifying adjective typically comes before the noun it modifies. It answers the question "What type of?" rather than "What is it like?". It is often not gradable (you cannot usually use "very" or "more" with it).

Examples

• In the phrase "a nervous disease", the word is a classifying adjective. It classifies the as being of the nervous system, a specific type of disease.
• In the phrase "a musical instrument", the word is a classifying adjective. It classifies the as belonging to the category of things used for music.
• Other examples include: "a wooden table" (classifies the table by its material), "a federal law" (classifies the law by its jurisdiction), and "the presidential election" (classifies the election by its type).

Advanced Usage

Classifying adjectives are often contrasted with qualitative adjectives, which describe a quality or characteristic (e.g., a beautiful painting, a fast car). A key test is that classifying adjectives usually cannot be used with adverbs of degree like "very" or "extremely." For instance, you would not typically say "a very musical instrument" or "an extremely federal law."

Variants and Related Words

• Classificatory (adjective): Relating to classification.
  • The system uses a classificatory scheme for organizing data.
• Classifier (noun): A word or morpheme used to classify a noun according to its meaning.
  • In some languages, a numeral requires a classifier, like "three head of cattle."

Synonyms

• Categorical adjective
• Class adjective

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Attributive adjective: An adjective that is placed directly before the noun it modifies. Most classifying adjectives are used attributively.
  • In "criminal law," criminal is an attributive and classifying adjective.
• Restrictive modifier: A word or phrase that narrows down the identity of the noun. Classifying adjectives often function as restrictive modifiers.
  • The phrase "digital watch" uses digital as a restrictive, classifying adjective to specify the type of watch.

Noun

1. an adjective that classifies its noun (e.g., `a nervous disease' or `a musical instrument')