adjectivize

[ aj-ik-ti-vahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ad·jec·tiv·ized, ad·jec·tiv·iz·ing.

1. Grammar. to make into an adjective, as by adding a suffix:

   The noun mirth can be adjectivized by adding -ful or -less to form the adjectives mirthful and mirthless.

2. to apply adjectives to; describe:

   He tends to adjectivize himself as loyal and trustworthy, but that is far from accurate.

verb (used without object)

, ad·jec·tiv·ized, ad·jec·tiv·iz·ing.

1. to overdescribe:

   She adjectivizes in agonizing detail, using three adjectives where even one would be superfluous.

Other Words From

• adjec·tiv·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adjectivize¹

adjectiv(e) + -ize

Example Sentences

“Hitchcockian” has become a go-to descriptor for entire branches of storytelling – not always an apposite one, but evocative to an audience far beyond the film-nerd coterie that tends to adjectivize auteurs.

From The Guardian