Deskriptivwort

Deskriptivwort is a term used in some linguistic discussions to refer to words that encode descriptive properties of a referent. The designation is not standard across mainstream grammars, and its precise scope can vary between theories or authors. In general, a Deskriptivwort is viewed as a word that contributes descriptive information about an entity, rather than naming it, indicating a relation, or performing a purely functional role.

Etymology and scope. The term combines the German deskriptiv (descriptive) with Wort (word), signaling a focus on descriptive content. In many descriptions, the category overlaps with adjectives or other descriptive modifiers, but some frameworks reserve Deskriptivwort for a broader set of descriptors that may include multiword expressions or certain attributive phrases that convey attribute information.

Morphology and syntax. In languages with rich adjective systems, Deskriptivworts typically behave like adjectives in inflection and syntactic position. They may appear attributively before a noun or predicatively with a linking verb, and they often participate in degree modification (comparatives and superlatives). The exact inflection, ordering, and agreement patterns depend on the language and the theoretical framework.

Semantics and usage. Deskriptivwörter express qualitative or quantitative attributes such as color, size, texture, or appearance. They are usually gradable and combine with nouns to form descriptive noun phrases. They are distinguished from evaluative or affective descriptors that express subjective judgment, and from function words that encode grammatical relations.

Relation to other concepts. In practice, Deskriptivworts often correspond to adjectives in many grammars, though proponents of the term may frame them as a distinct category for analytical purposes, particularly in discussions of descriptive linguistics or natural language processing. See also adjectives, descriptive linguistics, attributive adjective.