appositive

[ uh-poz-i-tiv ]

noun

1. a word or phrase in apposition.

adjective

1. placed in apposition.
2. (of an adjective or adjectival phrase) directly following the noun it modifies.

appositive

/ əˈpɒzɪtɪv /

adjective

1. grammar
   1. standing in apposition
   2. another word for nonrestrictive
2. of or relating to apposition

noun

1. an appositive word or phrase

Derived Forms

• apˈpositively, adverb

Other Words From

• ap·posi·tive·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of appositive¹

First recorded in 1685–95; apposit(ion) + -ive

Example Sentences

The appositive is a word or a group of words inserted lo explain the noun that it follows.

From Project Gutenberg

To distinguish an appositive clause from a restrictive clause, the former is called a non-restrictive clause.

From Project Gutenberg

One use of the comma is to set off an appositive for example Mr Kearne the buyer has left the city.

From Project Gutenberg

The proper noun comes first in appositive expressions: lfred cyning, Sidroc eorl, Hahmund bisceop.

From Project Gutenberg

These compounds are usually nouns, or adjectives and participles used in a sense more appositive than attributive.

From Project Gutenberg