verbal adjective

noun

, Grammar.

1. an adjective derived from a verb, as, in English, smiling in smiling eyes, or, in Greek, batós “going,” “moving,” derived from baínen “to go,” “to move.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbal adjective¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

In imitation probably of the Greek verbal adjective in τος, as αἱρετός, στρεπτός, etc., the Latins, especially Sallust, sometimes used the past part. as equivalent to an adj. in bilis: comp. xliii, 5.; lxxvi.

From Project Gutenberg

There was formerly no distinction between the verbal adjective and the present participle; but the Academy lays down one not very easy to grasp.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the termination of the present participle and verbal adjective derived from verbs in -a.

From Project Gutenberg

Footnote 48: In the verbal adjective the tone of the second syllable differs from that of the first.

From Project Gutenberg

I overruled the objection, that in the Greek it was not a participle, but a verbal adjective; for it was manifest to me, that a religion which could not be proclaimed in English could not be true; and the very idea of a Creed announcing that Christ was "not begotten, yet begettive," roused in me an unspeakable loathing.

From Project Gutenberg