Adjective definition An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun , providing additional information about its qualities, characteristics, or attributes. Adjectives can be used to compare two or more things, to show possession, or to give emphasis to a particular noun or pronoun . They can also be used to indicate a particular order or rank, as in “first,” “second,” and “third.” Adjectives help readers imagine situations, characters, and settings by describing what is seen, felt, and heard. Here are a few examples. The Basics Adjectives are words that describe something or someone. Scruffy, purple, concerned, and special are all adjectives . They usually (but not always) come right before what they are describing. Here are some examples: "A scruffy dog sat in the window." (Scruffy is the adjective , and dog is the thing being described.) "She wore a purple shirt." (Purple is the adjective , and shirt is the thing being described.) “The birthday seemed special.” (Special is the adjective , and birthday ...