attributive Meaning & Definition
What Does Attributive Mean?
Attributive is an adjective that means Modifying another word, typically a noun, while in the same phrase. It can also mean Attributing; characterized by attributing; effecting attribution. As a noun, it means An attributive word or phrase (see above), contrasted with predicative or substantive. As a noun, it means (grammar) An attributive word or phrase (see above), contrasted with predicative or substantive.
Attributive at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /əˈtɹɪb.ju.tɪv/ |
| Syllables | 4 |
| Synonyms | prenominal and attributive genitive |
| Antonyms | predicate and predicative |
| Plural | attributives |
| Comparative / superlative | more attributive, most attributive |
Attributive Definition (Adjective)
- Modifying another word, typically a noun, while in the same phrase.
In "this big house", big is attributive, whereas in "this house is big", it is predicative.
- Attributing; characterized by attributing; effecting attribution.
Attributive as a Noun
- An attributive word or phrase (see above), contrasted with predicative or substantive.
In "this big house," big is an attributive, while in "this house is big," it is a predicative.
Noun
- (grammar) An attributive word or phrase (see above), contrasted with predicative or substantive.
In "this big house," "big" is an attributive, while in "this house is big," it is a predicative.
Adjective
- (grammar, of a word or phrase) Modifying a noun, while in the same phrase as that noun.
In "this big house", "big" is attributive, whereas in "this house is big", it is predicative.
- Having the nature of an attribute.
- Serving to express an attribute of an object.
Synonyms of Attributive
Attributive synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Attributive
Attributive in a Sentence
In "this big house", big is attributive, whereas in "this house is big", it is predicative.
In "this tiger is a man-eater," man is an attributive noun.
In "this big house," big is an attributive, while in "this house is big," it is a predicative.
In "this big house," "big" is an attributive, while in "this house is big," it is a predicative.
In "this big house", "big" is attributive, whereas in "this house is big", it is predicative.
Word Forms & Grammar
attributive (comparative more attributive, superlative most attributive)
attributive (plural attributives)
Origin of Attributive
From attribute + -ive.
Attributive Pronunciation
Attributive is pronounced /əˈtɹɪb.ju.tɪv/ and has 4 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (tɹɪb).
Attributive: Your Questions Answered
Is attributive an adjective or a noun?
Attributive is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for attributive?
Close synonyms of attributive are prenominal and attributive genitive. See the full list of attributive synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of attributive?
Antonyms of attributive include predicate and predicative.
What is the plural of attributive?
The plural of attributive is attributives.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of attributive?
The comparative form is more attributive and the superlative form is most attributive.