attributively

9.1

In a way that comes before a noun to describe it

adverb
/əˈtrɪb.jʊ.tɪv.li/

Specialized

: de manera atributiva

In the phrase 'chicken soup', 'chicken' is used attributively as a modifier of 'soup'.

Examples

Some adjectives can be used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a verb.
The teacher explained how to use adjectives attributively.
Genitive nouns frequently appear attributively in English grammar.
He described the painting attributively.
In the phrase 'chicken soup', 'chicken' is used attributively as a modifier of 'soup'.
Some adjectives can be used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a verb.
The teacher explained how to use adjectives attributively.

Synonyms

adjectivally

vsattributively

1 7.6

In a way that describes a person or thing

is narrower, used specifically to modify a noun directly

Surface Forms

attributively positive

Morphology

attributively = attributive (transparent) = attribute + ive + ly

Forming an adverb from the adjective 'attributive' with the productive suffix '-ly' yields the predictable meaning 'in an attributive manner'.

Etymology

Attributively comes from attribute, which comes from the Latin parts ad- 'to' and tribuere 'give', the same root you see in contribute. So to use a word 'attributively' is to 'give' it to a noun as an attribute, which is why it directly describes or modifies that noun.