adjectival

the word 'adjectival' is a later english formation built upon the existing noun 'adjective'. it derives from latin 'adiectivus', meaning 'that is added', which itself comes from 'adicere' ('to throw to, add'). the suffix '-al', of latin origin via french, is a prolific english adjectival suffix meaning 'pertaining to'. therefore, the literal construction 'adject-ival' transparently means 'pertaining to an adjective'. this term illustrates a common pattern in english where a noun of latin origin is combined with the suffix '-al' to create a precise technical adjective describing a grammatical relationship.

Structure: adject (adjective) + ival (relating to) - adject: from latin 'adiectivus' (that is added), via old french 'adjectif'. functions as the core root denoting 'adjective'. - ival: from the latin suffix '-alis' (pertaining to), via old french '-al'. functions as an adjectival suffix meaning 'relating to'.