verbal adjective

American  

noun

Grammar.

1. an adjective derived from a verb, as, in English, smiling in smiling eyes, or, in Greek, batós “going,” “moving,” derived from baínen “to go,” “to move.”

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Etymology

Origin of verbal adjective

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

In imitation probably of the Greek verbal adjective in τος, as αἱρετός, στρεπτός, etc., the Latins, especially Sallust, sometimes used the past part. as equivalent to an adj. in bilis: comp. xliii, 5.; lxxvi.

From Notes and Queries, Number 210, November 5, 1853 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George

This is the termination of the present participle and verbal adjective derived from verbs in -a.

From Frédéric Mistral Poet and Leader in Provence by Downer, Charles Alfred

Footnote 48: In the verbal adjective the tone of the second syllable differs from that of the first.

From Language An Introduction to the Study of Speech by Sapir, Edward

There was formerly no distinction between the verbal adjective and the present participle; but the Academy lays down one not very easy to grasp.

From Bouvard and Pécuchet A Tragi-comic Novel of Bourgeois Life by Flaubert, Gustave