descriptive adjective

[/dɪˈskrɪptɪv ˈædʒɪktɪv/]
nounpl: descriptive adjectives
adjetivo descritivo
1. An adjective that describes or provides information about the qualities, characteristics, or attributes of a noun, as opposed to limiting or identifying it
In the phrase 'the beautiful garden', 'beautiful' is a descriptive adjective because it describes a quality of the garden
Na frase 'o jardim bonito', 'bonito' é um adjetivo descritivo porque descreve uma qualidade do jardim
2. An adjective used primarily to convey descriptive information rather than to distinguish or specify which item is being referenced
The word 'tall' in 'the tall building' is a descriptive adjective modifying 'building'
A palavra 'alto' em 'o edifício alto' é um adjetivo descritivo modificando 'edifício'
The term 'descriptive adjective' is primarily a grammatical and linguistic concept taught in schools and universities in both Brazil and the United States. It is essential for understanding English and Portuguese grammar, particularly in writing instruction and language analysis. Brazilian Portuguese education emphasizes this distinction in formal grammar teaching, similar to English-speaking countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
attributive adjectivequalitative adjectiveproperty adjective
Antonyms / Antônimos
limiting adjectivedemonstrative adjectivepossessive adjective

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
adjetivo descritivo
Standard term used in Brazilian grammar education and linguistic contexts
São Paulo
adjetivo descritivo
Common usage in academic and educational settings
Portugal
adjetivo descritivo
European Portuguese uses the same terminology with consistent application in grammar instruction

Related Words

adjectivepredicate adjectivequalifiermodifierattribute

Related Idioms & Phrases

painting with words - using descriptive adjectives for vivid imagery
adjective modifier
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