SILGLOBALGlossary of
Linguistic Terms

Glossary term A

Absolute Adjective

Definition

An absolute adjective is an adjective which functions as a noun.

Discussion

This term absolute adjective is applicable, by extension, to other parts of speech which are used similarly, such as possessive pronouns or numerals.

Examples

(English)

  • The poor
  • The mystical in Blake’s poetry

See also

Noun

Sources 2

  1. Pei and Gaynor 1954, 4
  2. Mish 1991, 46
Explore the bibliography

Find a term or reference

Try “phonology”, “evidentiality”, or “Crystal”. esc to close.