ATTRIBUTIVE Meaning and
Definition
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Attributive refers to a grammatical term that describes the use of a word or phrase to modify or provide additional information about another word within a sentence. It is primarily seen in the context of adjectives, but can also apply to nouns and other parts of speech.
In English grammar, an attributive adjective or noun comes before the noun it modifies and functions as an inherent part of that noun phrase. For example, in the phrase "red car," the word "red" is an attributive adjective modifying the noun "car." Similarly, in the phrase "sports car," the word "sports" acts as an attributive noun modifying the noun "car." Here, the attributive words provide specific characteristics or qualities to the nouns they modify.
Attributive words do not typically take attributive endings or declensions, as opposed to predicative adjectives that function after the noun and can take endings to agree with gender, number, and case. This distinction is crucial to differentiate between attributive and predicative usage.
The attributive function is commonly seen in descriptive phrases, compound nouns, and titles. It serves to enhance the meaning and specificity of the noun it modifies, offering clarification or limitation. By attaching attributes to a noun, attributive words play a vital role in providing insight into the qualities, characteristics, or relationships associated with the noun, thus enabling clearer communication and comprehension.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ATTRIBUTIVE
Etymology of ATTRIBUTIVE
The word "attributive" comes from the Latin verb "attribuere", which means "to attribute" or "to assign". It is formed by combining the prefix "ad-" (meaning "to" or "towards") with "tribuere" (meaning "to assign" or "to allot"). "Attributive" is derived from the past participle form of "attribuere", which is "attributus", meaning "attributed" or "assigned". The concept of attribution or assigning qualities to something is central to the meaning of "attributive" in English language.
Similar spelling words for ATTRIBUTIVE
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