An adjective is a part of speech in the English language that describes or modifies a noun. It provides additional information about a noun's characteristics, qualities, or states, helping to convey a more vivid and specific idea. For example, in the phrase "the red apple," the word "red" is an adjective that describes the color of the apple.
The word adjective comes from the Latin word adjectivus, which means "added" or "additional." It is formed from the combination of ad-, meaning "to" or "toward," and jacere, meaning "to throw." Hence, an adjective is something that "adds" to the meaning of a noun.