French Conversation · Level 108
60 words
French word
qualificatif
Pronunciation
IPA/kalifikatif/
Meaning
- masculine nounadjective
Example
On place souvent un qualificatif avant le nom.
An adjective is often placed before the noun.
More examples
Pour rester objectif, il a choisi un qualificatif neutre.
To remain objective, he chose a neutral adjective.
Core concept
A descriptive label that gives a noun a particular character or intensity.
Common phrases
un qualificatif neutre
a neutral adjective
un qualificatif courant
a common adjective
Similar words
adjectif: An adjective directly linked to a noun that indicates its quality or state.
Definition in French
Mot ou groupe de mots qui sert à exprimer une qualité, une caractéristique ou un degré d'un nom.
Word origin
The word derives from French qualifier, which goes back to Latin qualificare, built from qualis, "of what kind," and facere, "to make."
Usage tips
- In ordinary grammar, adjectif is more common than qualificatif for the general term "adjective," while qualificatif suits formal description.
Other meanings
- modifiernoun
Related words
- qualifiéqualifiedadjective
- qualifierdescribeverb