What is Adverb

¹ad·verb

noun \ˈad-ˌvərb\

: a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used to show time, manner, place, or degree

Full Definition of ADVERB

:  a word belonging to one of the major form classes in any of numerous languages, typically serving as a modifier of a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a preposition, a phrase, a clause, or a sentence, expressing some relation of manner or quality, place, time, degree, number, cause, opposition, affirmation, or denial, and in English also serving to connect and to express comment on clause content — compare adjunct, conjunct, disjunct

See adverb defined for English-language learners »

See adverb defined for kids »

Examples of ADVERB

1. In “arrived early,” “runs slowly,” “stayed home,” and “works hard” the words “early,” “slowly,” “home,” and “hard” are adverbs.

Origin of ADVERB

Middle English adverbe, from Middle French, from Latin adverbium, from ad- + verbum word — more at word

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with ADVERB

acerb, disturb, exurb, perturb, potherb, pro-verb, proverb, reverb, suburb, superb

²adverb

adjective

Definition of ADVERB

:  adverbial

First Known Use of ADVERB

1879

Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Learn More About ADVERB

Spanish Central Translation: "adverb" in Spanish

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "adverb"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: adverbal
Previous Word in the Dictionary: adventurous
All Words Near: adverb

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up adverb? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).