A denominal adjective is an adjective that comes from a noun. It describes something by relating it to that noun. For example, in wooden table, the word wooden comes from the noun wood, and it tells us that the table is made of wood. Denominal adjectives help make sentences more specific and clear. Some common examples include golden ring (made of gold), childish behavior (like a child), and historical place (related to history). These adjectives make descriptions more interesting and meaningful. Let’s explore more denominal adjectives with examples!
What Are Denominal Adjectives?
In English grammar, adjectives describe nouns. Some adjectives are formed from nouns, meaning they are derived from a noun to modify another noun. These types of adjectives are called denominal adjectives. The word “denominal” means “from a noun,” so denominal adjectives are adjectives created from nouns. learn more about Adjectives list
For example:
- Wooden chair (The adjective “wooden” comes from the noun “wood.”)
- Childish behavior (The adjective “childish” comes from the noun “child.”)
- Monthly subscription (The adjective “monthly” comes from the noun “month.”)
Denominal Adjectives definition with examples
Denominal adjectives help provide specific details about a noun’s origin, quality, or relation to something else.
How Denominal Adjectives Are Formed
Denominal adjectives are created by adding suffixes to nouns. Different suffixes give different meanings. Below is a table showing common suffixes used to form denominal adjectives:
| Suffix | Example Noun | Denominal Adjective | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| -al | Nation | National | She is proud of her national heritage. |
| -ish | Child | Childish | His childish behavior was annoying. |
| -ous | Danger | Dangerous | That road is dangerous to drive on. |
| -y | Rain | Rainy | It is a rainy day. |
| -ic | Hero | Heroic | He made a heroic effort to save the cat. |
| -ly | Friend | Friendly | She has a friendly nature. |
| -ian | History | Historian | He is a historian scholar. |
Types of Denominal Adjectives
Denominal adjectives can be classified into different types based on their function and meaning. Here are the main types:
1. Material-Based Denominal Adjectives
These adjectives describe the material from which something is made.
- Wooden table (from “wood”)
- Golden ring (from “gold”)
- Silken fabric (from “silk”)
2. Time-Based Denominal Adjectives
These adjectives indicate a time period or frequency.
- Daily routine (from “day”)
- Weekly meeting (from “week”)
- Yearly event (from “year”)
3. Nationality-Based Denominal Adjectives
These adjectives indicate the nationality or origin of something or someone.
- American culture (from “America”)
- French cuisine (from “France”)
- Italian fashion (from “Italy”)
4. Quality-Based Denominal Adjectives
These adjectives describe the qualities of a noun.
- Childish behavior (from “child”)
- Foolish decision (from “fool”)
- Heroic act (from “hero”)
5. Relation-Based Denominal Adjectives
These adjectives show a relationship between two things.
- Medical advice (from “medicine”)
- Political debate (from “politics”)
- Historical event (from “history”)
Common Mistakes When Using Denominal Adjectives
While denominal adjectives are easy to use, students often make some common mistakes. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
1. Confusing Adjectives with Nouns
Incorrect: She is a fashion designer who makes fashion clothes. Correct: She is a fashion designer who makes fashionable clothes.
2. Using the Wrong Suffix
Incorrect: That was a danger situation. Correct: That was a dangerous situation.
3. Forgetting That Some Nouns Cannot Become Adjectives
Not all nouns have corresponding denominal adjectives. If an adjective does not exist, use descriptive phrases instead.
- Incorrect: She has a very booky personality.
- Correct: She has a personality like a bookworm.
How to Identify Denominal Adjectives in a Sentence
To find a denominal adjective in a sentence, follow these steps:
- Find the adjective – Look for words that describe a noun.
- Check its origin – See if the adjective comes from a noun.
- Look for suffixes – Check if the adjective has common suffixes like -al, -ish, -ous, etc.
Example Sentences of Denominal Adjectives
| # | Sentence | Adjective 1 | Denominal Adjective | Noun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | She wore a beautiful silk dress. | Beautiful | Silk | Dress |
| 2 | He bought a shiny gold ring. | Shiny | Gold | Ring |
| 3 | They live in a strong stone house. | Strong | Stone | House |
| 4 | I need comfortable wooden chairs. | Comfortable | Wooden | Chairs |
| 5 | He found a small silver coin. | Small | Silver | Coin |
| 6 | She has a soft cotton shirt. | Soft | Cotton | Shirt |
| 7 | He drinks from a clear glass cup. | Clear | Glass | Cup |
| 8 | I love black leather shoes. | Black | Leather | Shoes |
| 9 | She bought a warm woolen coat. | Warm | Woolen | Coat |
| 10 | He gave me a thin paper bag. | Thin | Paper | Bag |
| 11 | I wrote on a hard metal board. | Hard | Metal | Board |
| 12 | She likes large plastic bottles. | Large | Plastic | Bottles |
| 13 | He owns a red brick house. | Red | Brick | House |
| 14 | I saw a tall bronze statue. | Tall | Bronze | Statue |
| 15 | She made a golden royal crown. | Golden | Royal | Crown |
| 16 | He loves thick velvet curtains. | Thick | Velvet | Curtains |
| 17 | She bought a light linen dress. | Light | Linen | Dress |
| 18 | The round clay pot broke. | Round | Clay | Pot |
| 19 | He painted a brown wooden bench. | Brown | Wooden | Bench |
| 20 | She used a long rubber band. | Long | Rubber | Band |
30 Denominal Adjectives with examples
