predicative complement

[/ˌpredɪkətɪv ˈkɒmplɪmənt/]
nounpl: predicative complements
complemento predicativo
1. A word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes or renames the subject of the sentence
In the sentence 'She is a teacher,' 'a teacher' is the predicative complement.
Na frase 'Ela é uma professora,' 'uma professora' é o complemento predicativo.
2. In grammar, an element that completes the predicate by providing information about the subject
The word 'happy' in 'They seem happy' functions as a predicative complement.
A palavra 'feliz' em 'Eles parecem felizes' funciona como um complemento predicativo.
3. A constituent that can be either nominal or adjectival and relates to the subject through a copular verb
In 'The soup tastes delicious,' 'delicious' is the predicative complement.
Em 'A sopa está deliciosa,' 'deliciosa' é o complemento predicativo.
This is primarily a linguistic and grammatical term used in formal education settings in both Brazil and Portugal. It is essential vocabulary for English language teachers, linguistics students, and anyone studying comparative grammar. The concept is taught consistently across Portuguese-speaking countries with the same terminology.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
subject complementpredicate nominativepredicate adjectivesubjective complement
Antonyms / Antônimos
object complementdirect object

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
complemento predicativo
Standard term used in Brazilian grammar instruction
Portugal
complemento predicativo
Same terminology as Brazilian Portuguese; used in European Portuguese grammar
Academic/Formal
complemento nominal do predicado
More formal/technical variant emphasizing the nominal nature

Related Words

linking verbcopular verbpredicatesubjectcomplementattributivenominaladjective

Related Idioms & Phrases

to be a predicative complement of
function as a predicative complement
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