easy
Blue is the adjective in the phrase “blue backpack.”
What does Adjective mean?
An adjective is a word that adds information about a noun or pronoun.
Dictionary definition
An adjective is a word class that modifies a noun or pronoun by adding information about a quality, state, classification, or other feature. An adjective can appear before a noun, as in “quiet room,” or after a linking verb, as in “the room seems quiet.”
Example sentences
Adjective in a sentence
medium
In “The soup smells delicious,” delicious is an adjective describing the soup.
medium
The comparative adjective taller compares the height of two people or things.
hard
A noun can sometimes modify another noun, so the word school in “school bus” does an adjective-like job without becoming an adjective in every analysis.
hard
Writers choose precise adjectives to add useful detail rather than piling several vague descriptions together.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Adjective
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What is an adjective?
Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns by adding information about them.
Practice 2
Which word is an adjective in “The puzzle seems difficult” ?
Difficult follows the linking verb seems and describes the noun puzzle.
Practice 3
Choose the best adjective: The class examined the ____ leaf with a magnifying glass.
Spotted is an adjective that adds a visible quality to the noun leaf.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Adjective
Voice settings
Sounds like
aj · ik · tiv · strongest beat: aj
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordAdjective.
Partnoun.
MeaningAdjective means An adjective is a word that adds information about a noun or pronoun.
ExampleExample: Blue is the adjective in the phrase “blue backpack.”
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- aj · ik · tiv
- Strongest beat
- aj
- Ending
- tiv
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on aj.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced adjective.
Synonyms
Words like Adjective
describing wordA useful beginner classroom label, though adjectives can identify or classify as well as describe qualities.
modifierA broader grammar term for a form that adds information; not every modifier is an adjective.
Antonym review
Does Adjective have an opposite?
Adjective has no direct antonym. Noun, verb, and adverb are contrasting word classes rather than opposites, and some words can function in more than one class.
Synonym practice
Want to practice adjective synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The adjective blue described the notebook," then compare close word choices. Practice adjective synonyms.
Word family
Adjective word family
Base word
adjective
noun
adjectives
More than one adjective.
adjective
adjectival
Related to an adjective or functioning like one.
adverb
adjectivally
In a way that functions as an adjective; this is a technical grammar term.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Adjective
Hint for students
Find the noun or pronoun, then look for a word that adds a quality, amount, identity, or other detail.
Common mix-up
An adjective does not have to come directly before a noun; it can follow a linking verb. Also, not every word ending in -ly is an adverb: friendly and lively are usually adjectives.
Try it in class or at home
Give students six sentences containing adjectives before nouns and after linking verbs. Have them draw an arrow from each adjective to the noun or pronoun it modifies, then replace one vague adjective with a more precise choice.
Teacher prompt
Compare “the bright lamp” with “the lamp is bright.” Where does the adjective appear, and which noun does it describe in each sentence?
Word Wheel
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This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Adjective and explore more word games
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Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes ADJECTIVE.
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