descriptive Meaning & Definition
What Does Descriptive Mean?
As an adjective, descriptive means Of, relating to, or providing a description. It can also mean Of an adjective, stating an attribute of the associated noun (as heavy in the heavy dictionary). As a noun, it means An adjective (or other descriptive word). As a noun, it means (grammar) An adjective (or other descriptive word).
Descriptive at a Glance
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //dɪˈskɹɪptɪv// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | synchronic |
| Antonyms | diachronic, normative and historical |
| Plural | descriptives |
| Comparative / superlative | more descriptive, most descriptive |
Descriptive Definition (Adjective)
- Of, relating to, or providing a description.
- Of an adjective, stating an attribute of the associated noun (as heavy in the heavy dictionary).
- Describing the structure, grammar, vocabulary and actual use of a language.
- Describing and seeking to classify, as opposed to normative or prescriptive.
Descriptive as a Noun
- An adjective (or other descriptive word).
Noun
- (grammar) An adjective (or other descriptive word)
Adjective
- (grammar) Of an adjective, stating an attribute of the associated noun (as heavy in the heavy dictionary).
Synonyms of Descriptive
Descriptive synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Descriptive
Descriptive in a Sentence
No example sentences are available for this entry.
Word Forms & Grammar
descriptive (comparative more descriptive, superlative most descriptive)
descriptive (plural descriptives)
Words That Rhyme With Descriptive
Origin of Descriptive
From Latin dēscriptīvus (“containing a full description”).
Pronouncing Descriptive
Descriptive is pronounced //dɪˈskɹɪptɪv// and has 1 syllable.
Questions People Ask About Descriptive
Is descriptive an adjective or a noun?
Descriptive is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for descriptive?
Close synonyms of descriptive are synchronic. See the full list of descriptive synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of descriptive?
The opposite of descriptive can be expressed with words like diachronic, normative, historical and prescriptive.
What is the plural of descriptive?
The plural of descriptive is descriptives.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of descriptive?
The comparative form is more descriptive and the superlative form is most descriptive.