adjective equivalent

noun

: a word or word group that is not an adjective but has the noun-modifying function of an adjective (as music in "music teacher", dancing in "dancing teacher", John's in "John's dog", on the wall in "the picture on the wall", the doctor in "my friend the doctor", who plays golf in "a man who plays golf")

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of adjective equivalent was in 1875

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Dictionary Entries Near adjective equivalent

adjective

adjective equivalent

adjectivize

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Adjective equivalent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adjective%20equivalent. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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