Participial
adjective
Relating to a verb form usually ending in '-ing' or '-ed' used as an adjective.
In the phrase 'a sleeping baby', 'sleeping' is a participial adjective.
Often appears as...
- participial adjective
- participial phrase
noun
The verb form that is used as an adjective.
In the sentence 'The fallen leaves were scattered on the ground', 'fallen' is a participle.
Often appears as...
- present participle
- past participle
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Relating to a verb form usually ending in '-ing' or '-ed' used as an adjective.
In the phrase 'a sleeping baby', 'sleeping' is a participial adjective.
Often appears as...
- participial adjective
- participial phrase
noun
The verb form that is used as an adjective.
In the sentence 'The fallen leaves were scattered on the ground', 'fallen' is a participle.
Often appears as...
- present participle
- past participle
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Adjective Role
Participial adjectives describe nouns, adding details like states or actions from the noun's perspective.
The 'bored' audience started leaving the auditorium.
Pro Tip 2/3Diverse Endings
While '-ing' and '-ed' are common, some participial adjectives end differently, like 'known' or 'worn'.
Her 'known' expertise in languages impressed everyone.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Verbs
Even though they look like verbs, in a participial role they don't show action but characteristics.
The 'running' water in the fountain looked magical.
Pro Tip 1/3Adjective Role
Participial adjectives describe nouns, adding details like states or actions from the noun's perspective.
The 'bored' audience started leaving the auditorium.
Pro Tip 2/3Diverse Endings
While '-ing' and '-ed' are common, some participial adjectives end differently, like 'known' or 'worn'.
Her 'known' expertise in languages impressed everyone.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Verbs
Even though they look like verbs, in a participial role they don't show action but characteristics.
The 'running' water in the fountain looked magical.
Pro Tip 1/3Adjective Role
Participial adjectives describe nouns, adding details like states or actions from the noun's perspective.
The 'bored' audience started leaving the auditorium.
Pro Tip 2/3Diverse Endings
While '-ing' and '-ed' are common, some participial adjectives end differently, like 'known' or 'worn'.
Her 'known' expertise in languages impressed everyone.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Verbs
Even though they look like verbs, in a participial role they don't show action but characteristics.
The 'running' water in the fountain looked magical.
Never forget "Participial"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension