The adjective has the function of modifying its meaning or qualifying the noun (or another part of speech) to which it refers and on which it depends grammatically.
The adjective can precede or follow the noun and adds to the noun:
- a quality in the case of (aggettivi qualificativi) qualifying adjectives.
- a determination in the case of (aggettivi determinativi o indicativi) determinative or indicative adjectives.
1. Aggettivi qualificativi (qualifying adjectives).
- Un bel libro (a good book).
- Una persona gentile (a kind person).
- Un cagnolino simpatico (a cute dog).
- Una comoda abitazione (a comfortable home).
- Un orologio preciso (an accurate watch).
- Una famosa università (a famous university).
2. Aggettivi determinativi o indicativi (determinate or indicative adjectives)
Determinate or indicative adjectives like:
- Aggettivi dimostrativi (demonstrative adjectives).
- Aggettivi possessivi (possessive adjectives).
- Aggettivi numerali (numeral adjectives).
- Aggettivi indefiniti (indefinite adjectives).
- Aggettivi interrogativi ed esclamativi (question and exclamation adjectives).
- Questo libro (this book).
- Tre cagnolini (three little dogs).
- Il mio orologio (my watch).
The adjective can be combined with the noun:
1. Directly, in this case, we speak of an attributive function.
- Un interessante documentario (An interesting documentary).
- Un film bellissimo (A beautiful film).
- Una persona simpaticissima (A very nice person).
- Un viaggio indimenticabile (An unforgettable trip).
2. By means of a nominal verb in this case we speak of a predicative function.
- Questo documentario mi sembra interessante.
- This documentary seems interesting to me.
- Quel film è bellissimo.
- That movie is beautiful.
Qualifying adjectives can be found in the predicative function, but not all determinate adjectives.
Next lesson:
Gli aggettivi variabili / Variable adjectives.