predicate adjective

noun

, Grammar.

1. an adjective used in the predicate, especially with a copulative verb and attributive to the subject, as in He is dead, or attributive to the direct object, as in It made him sick.

Word History and Origins

Origin of predicate adjective¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

In some of these examples, the predicate adjective has a modifier.

From Project Gutenberg

A Subjective Predicate Adjective is an adjective that completes the verb and modifies the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

A predicate adjective completes the meaning of the predicate verb, but describes or limits the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

In the second, the participle drenched expresses mere condition, and is therefore a predicate adjective.

From Project Gutenberg

The past participle is often used as a predicate adjective expressing state or condition.

From Project Gutenberg