Adjektivu

Adjektivu is the term used to describe a word class that expresses properties of a noun or pronoun. In many languages adjectives describe qualities such as color, size, shape, origin, material, or other attributes, and they help to specify or distinguish what is being talked about. The concept is one of the core parts of speech in grammatical theory, alongside nouns, verbs, and pronouns.

Morphology and agreement vary by language. In some languages adjectives agree with the noun in gender, number, and case, changing form to match the noun they modify. In others, adjectives have little or no inflection and remain the same regardless of the noun. Some languages use distinct declension patterns or agreement classes for adjectives, while others rely on surrounding words to convey agreement.

Syntax and placement also differ. Adjectives can be attributive, appearing directly before the noun (for example, a red apple), or predicative, following a linking verb (the apple is red). The position and inflection of adjectives often interact with determiners, numerals, and other modifiers in a sentence, influencing emphasis and grammatical structure.

Degree and comparison are commonly expressed through inflection, periphrastic forms, or separate words. Many languages form comparative and superlative degrees by suffixes or additional words (for example, bigger, biggest). Some languages use irregular forms or alternative construction patterns.

Etymology and scope: the term derives from Latin adjectivus, meaning added or derived. The concept of adjectives is universal across languages, though its exact form, agreement, and placement show substantial linguistic variation. See also attributive, predicative, and agreement.