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What is an adjective derivative?

An adjective derivative is a word formed from another word, usually a noun or verb, and used to describe something. This process is called derivation and involves adding a suffix to the base word.

Here's a breakdown:

* Base Word: The original word from which the adjective is derived. This could be a noun, verb, or even another adjective.

* Suffix: A letter or group of letters added to the end of the base word to change its grammatical function. Common suffixes for adjective derivatives include:

* -al: (e.g., national from nation)

* -ful: (e.g., beautiful from beauty)

* -ic: (e.g., historic from history)

* -ous: (e.g., dangerous from danger)

* -y: (e.g., sleepy from sleep)

* -able: (e.g., comfortable from comfort)

* -ive: (e.g., effective from effect)

* -ent: (e.g., different from differ)

Examples:

* Noun to Adjective:

* Nation (noun) → National (adjective)

* Hope (noun) → Hopeful (adjective)

* Verb to Adjective:

* Sleep (verb) → Sleepy (adjective)

* Act (verb) → Active (adjective)

* Adjective to Adjective:

* Strong (adjective) → Stronger (adjective - comparative)

* Strong (adjective) → Strongest (adjective - superlative)

Understanding Adjective Derivatives:

Adjective derivatives help us express qualities, characteristics, or states of being in a more precise and descriptive way. They enrich our vocabulary and make our language more expressive.

Important Note: Not all words formed with these suffixes will be adjectives. Some may form other parts of speech, like adverbs.

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