Denominal adjectives

What are denominal adjectives?

Denominal adjectives (sometimes called denominal adjectives) are adjectives derived from nouns. For example:

1. A mathematical puzzle. (a puzzle based on mathematics)
2. A biological experiment. (an experiment in biology)
3. A wooden boat. (a boat made of wood)

Proper adjectives are derived from proper nouns. They commonly describe something in terms of nationality, religious affiliation, or culture. Like proper nouns, proper adjectives have their first letter capitalized. For example:

1. I married a Russian woman.
2. The Jewish community in NY is very large.

Adjectives of this type should be carefully distinguished from adjectives denoting nationalities (nominal adjectives). For example:

1. Denominal Adjective: The French people are noted for their wines.
2. Nominal Adjective: The French are noted for their wines.

or:

1. Denominal Adjective: The poor people are more vulnerable.
2. Nominal Adjective: The poor are getting poorer.

Examples of denominal adjectives

1. A mathematical puzzle.
2. A biological experiment.
3. A wooden boat.
4. I married an American woman.
5. The Jewish community in NY is very big.
6. Mary has a collection of expensive Russian dolls.
7. In the winter you must wear heavy woolen clothes.
8. The polar bear is listed as threatened.

Denominal adjective exercises

1. Choose the sentence containing the denominal adjective:

Answer: B. We spent the evening working on our English homework.

2. A or B? Which of the following sentences contain denominal adjectives?

Answers: B,A,A

3. A, B, or C? Which phrase contains the denominal adjective?

Answers: A, C, A

4. Choose the correct denominal adjective for each sentence:

Answers: metallic, leisurely, hourly 

5. Which sentences contain proper denominal adjectives?

Answers: B,B,B

6. Which group of words contains only denominal adjectives?

Answer: B

7. Which of the following sentences does not contain a denominal adjective?

Answer: C

8. Which group of words contains no denominal adjectives?

Answer: B

9. Find the proper denominal adjective in each of the following sentences:

Answer: A: German B: Democratic C: Romanian

10. Proper or not? Identify the denominal adjectives in the following sentences and state whether they are proper.

Answers: