Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
augmentative
Adjective
/ɔːɡˈmɛntətɪv/
Definition
A form or word used to indicate an increase or enhancement of meaning.
Examples
- The prefix ‘super-‘ is an augmentative that suggests superiority, as in ‘superhuman.’
- In some languages, augmentative forms can change the meaning of a noun to imply a larger size, like ‘perro’ becoming ‘perrazo’ in Spanish.
- Use of an augmentative adjective can emphasize a characteristic, such as saying ‘gigantic’ rather than just ‘large.’
Meaning
The term augmentative refers to words or affixes that denote a larger or greater degree of something, often used to intensify meaning or describe something that is augmented.
Synonyms
- Intensifying
- Enhancing
- Magnifying
