Attributive
adjective
Describing an adjective which is used before a noun, within the noun phrase itself.
In the phrase 'A red ball', 'red' is an attributive adjective.
Often appears as...
- 'attributive adjective'
- 'attributive position'
adjective
Describing something that relates to the process of considering one thing to be caused by or dependent on another thing.
Attributive factors contributing to climate change include deforestation and burning fossil fuels.
Often appears as...
- 'attributive factor'
- 'attributive cause'
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A word or phrase that is used before a noun to show what a person or thing is like.
In the phrase 'Tall woman', 'Tall' is an attributive.
Often appears as...
- 'attributive use'
- 'attributive word'
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Describing an adjective which is used before a noun, within the noun phrase itself.
In the phrase 'A red ball', 'red' is an attributive adjective.
Often appears as...
- 'attributive adjective'
- 'attributive position'
adjective
Describing something that relates to the process of considering one thing to be caused by or dependent on another thing.
Attributive factors contributing to climate change include deforestation and burning fossil fuels.
Often appears as...
- 'attributive factor'
- 'attributive cause'
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A word or phrase that is used before a noun to show what a person or thing is like.
In the phrase 'Tall woman', 'Tall' is an attributive.
Often appears as...
- 'attributive use'
- 'attributive word'
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Location Matters
Attributive adjectives always come directly before the noun they describe in English.
In 'the blue sky,' 'blue' is attributive to 'sky.'
Pro Tip 2/3Adjectives Only
'Attributive' is not for verbs or adverbs; it's specific to adjectives used with nouns.
'Big' in 'big computer' is attributive, but 'quickly' in 'runs quickly' is not.
Pro Tip 3/3No Commas Needed
Do not use commas between attributive adjectives and the nouns they modify.
We say 'a cold, dark night,' not 'a cold, dark, night.'
Pro Tip 1/3Location Matters
Attributive adjectives always come directly before the noun they describe in English.
In 'the blue sky,' 'blue' is attributive to 'sky.'
Pro Tip 2/3Adjectives Only
'Attributive' is not for verbs or adverbs; it's specific to adjectives used with nouns.
'Big' in 'big computer' is attributive, but 'quickly' in 'runs quickly' is not.
Pro Tip 3/3No Commas Needed
Do not use commas between attributive adjectives and the nouns they modify.
We say 'a cold, dark night,' not 'a cold, dark, night.'
Pro Tip 1/3Location Matters
Attributive adjectives always come directly before the noun they describe in English.
In 'the blue sky,' 'blue' is attributive to 'sky.'
Pro Tip 2/3Adjectives Only
'Attributive' is not for verbs or adverbs; it's specific to adjectives used with nouns.
'Big' in 'big computer' is attributive, but 'quickly' in 'runs quickly' is not.
Pro Tip 3/3No Commas Needed
Do not use commas between attributive adjectives and the nouns they modify.
We say 'a cold, dark night,' not 'a cold, dark, night.'
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