attributive
Syllabification: (at·trib·u·tive)
Pronunciation: /əˈtribyətiv/
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Definition of attributive
adjective
Grammar- (of an adjective or noun) preceding the word it qualifies or modifies and expressing an attribute, as old in the old dog (but not in the dog is old) and expiration in expiration date (but not in date of expiration). Often contrasted with predicative.
Origin:
mid 18th century (as a noun in the sense 'a word expressing an attribute'): from French attributif, -ive, from attribut 'an attribute', from Latin attribuere 'add to' (see attribute)