Attributive

Definition

Attributive refers to a grammatical function where adjectives are used directly to modify nouns, providing additional information about the qualities or characteristics of those nouns. In Latin, this concept is particularly relevant with first and second declension adjectives, as they must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Latin, attributive adjectives are typically placed before the nouns they modify.
2. First declension adjectives usually have a feminine ending and are often used with feminine nouns, while second declension adjectives can be masculine or neuter.
3. Attributive adjectives must always agree with their nouns in gender, number, and case to maintain grammatical accuracy.
4. Common examples of attributive adjectives include words like 'magnus' (great), 'pulcher' (beautiful), and 'bonus' (good).
5. When translating Latin sentences, it's essential to recognize attributive adjectives to understand the full meaning conveyed by the nouns they describe.

Review Questions

• How do attributive adjectives function in a sentence when modifying nouns in Latin?
  • Attributive adjectives function by directly modifying nouns to describe their qualities or characteristics. They provide important context and detail that enhances the meaning of the noun. For example, in a phrase like 'puella pulchra' (the beautiful girl), 'pulchra' is the attributive adjective that gives us more information about 'puella.' This relationship emphasizes how crucial it is for these adjectives to agree with their nouns in gender, number, and case.
• Discuss how agreement affects the use of attributive adjectives in Latin sentences.
  • Agreement is essential when using attributive adjectives because they must match the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case. For instance, a masculine noun would require a masculine form of an adjective for proper agreement. If you have 'puer magnus' (the big boy), 'magnus' agrees with 'puer' because both are masculine singular. Failure to ensure this agreement results in incorrect grammar and can change the intended meaning of a sentence.
• Evaluate the importance of understanding attributive adjectives and their agreement when translating Latin texts into English.
  • Understanding attributive adjectives and their agreement is crucial for accurate translation from Latin to English. This knowledge helps identify how adjectives enhance the meaning of nouns and ensures that translations reflect the original context and nuances. Misinterpreting an attributive adjective or its agreement can lead to misunderstandings or incorrect translations. Therefore, mastering this concept allows for more precise interpretations of Latin literature and enhances overall language comprehension.

Related terms

Adjective: A word that describes or modifies a noun, providing more detail about its attributes.

Declension: The variation of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective to express different grammatical categories such as case, number, and gender.

Agreement: The requirement that adjectives must match the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case within a sentence.