descriptive

- 2 dictionary results

de⋅scrip⋅tive

[di-skrip-tiv]

–adjective

1.	having the quality of describing; characterized by description: a descriptive passage in an essay.

a.	Grammar. (of an adjective or other modifier) expressing a quality of the word it modifies, as fresh in fresh milk. Compare limiting.

b.	(of a clause) nonrestrictive. Compare restrictive (def. 4).

3.	noting, concerned with, or based upon the fact or experience.

4.	characterized by or based upon the classification and description of material in a given field: descriptive botany.

Origin:
1745–55; < LL dēscrīptīvus, equiv. to L dēscrīpt(us) (see description ) + -īvus -ive

Related forms:

de⋅scrip⋅tive⋅ly, adverb

de⋅scrip⋅tive⋅ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source

de·scrip·tive (dĭ-skrĭp'tĭv)

adj.

Involving or characterized by description; serving to describe.
Concerned with classification or description: a descriptive science.
Grammar
1. Expressing an attribute of the modified noun, as green in green grass. Used of an adjective or adjectival clause.
2. Nonrestrictive.
Linguistics Of or relating to the study or the description of a language or a specific stage of a language, with emphasis on constructing a grammar without regard to historical development, comparison with other languages, or advocated norms for correct or proper usage.

de·scrip'tive·ly adv., de·scrip'tive·ness n.

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