adjectiveforming

Adjective forming is the set of processes by which adjectives are created or acquired in a language. It includes derivation (forming new adjectives from other words), conversion (zero-derivation, where a word changes class without affixes), and compounding, as well as occasional inflectional or phonological adjustments that affect adjective meaning.

Derivation by affixation is the most productive route. Denominal adjectives often derive from nouns with suffixes such as -al (national), -ic (historic), -ous (dangerous), -ful (beautiful), -less (hopeless), -y (cloudy), -ish (greenish), -ive (creative). Adjectives from verbs via participles use forms like -ed (tired, excited) and -ing (boring, exciting). Prefixation adds negative or evaluative meaning, especially with un-, in-, im-, il-, and ir- (unhappy, impossible, irregular, illegal, inappropriate), or with other prefixes such as super- or ultra- to intensify or modify sense (supernatural, ultramodern).

Conversion, or zero-derivation, creates adjectives without explicit affixes by reclassifying a word already in use, or by attributive noun use as adjectives (for example, a stone wall, a coffee mug), though not all instances are universally labeled as “formation.”

Compounding forms adjectives by joining words, often in attributive or compound adjectives such as long-term, high-stakes, blue-green. Hyphenation is common in many languages to clarify scope.

Cross-linguistic variation is strong: some languages rely heavily on suffixes and prefixes to derive adjectives, while others rely more on noun-adjective word order, inflection, or stem alternations. Adjective formation thus reflects both lexical innovation and typological differences across languages.