Adjectiverend

Adjectiverend is a linguistic term used to describe the process or result of turning a word into an adjective, or of using a word in an adjectival function. In Dutch grammar the concept is most often illustrated by participial adjectives, forms derived from verbs that modify nouns.

Present participles ending in -end function as adjectives: for example, lopende auto (a moving car), reizende reiziger (traveling traveler). Past participles used as adjectives: gebroken glas (broken glass), gesloten deur (closed door). These adjectival forms are typically used before the noun (attributive position) and can also appear in other constructions where they modify a noun.

Adjectiverend also covers the creation of adjectives by derivation, including suffixes such as -achtig (houtachtig) and other endings that express qualities. The exact set of suffixes and their productivity vary by dialect and grammar tradition.

In practice, adjectiverend describes a broad category: words that serve an adjectival function, whether they come from verb stems via participles or from noun or adjective stems via derivational suffixes. The concept is often equated with adjectivation or adjectivization in cross-linguistic work, but terminology and emphasis differ among grammar descriptions.

See also: adjectivalization, participial adjective, deverbal adjective.