limiting adjective

American  

noun

Grammar.

1. (in English and some other languages) one of a small group of adjectives that modify the nouns to which they are applied by restricting rather than describing or qualifying. This, some, and certain are limiting adjectives.

2. an adjective, as few or other, that in English follows determiners and precedes descriptive adjectives.

   a few red apples.

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Example Sentences

Then, after a good two minutes of sluggish, deep thought, the limiting adjective smart.

From Salon

It is clear that when the given term is qualified by a limiting adjective the Denotation or Extension diminishes, while the Connotation or Intension increases; e.g. a generic term like “flower” has a larger Extension, and a smaller Intension than “rose”: “rose” 46 than “moss-rose.”

From Project Gutenberg