Definition of "attributive" in English

adjective

1. (grammar, of a word or phrase) Modifying another word, typically a noun, while in the same phrase.

   • In "this big house", big is attributive, whereas in "this house is big", it is predicative.
   • In "this tiger is a man-eater," man is an attributive noun.

2. Attributing; characterized by attributing; effecting attribution.

noun

1. (grammar) An attributive word or phrase (see above), contrasted with predicative or substantive.

   • In "this big house," big is an attributive, while in "this house is big," it is a predicative.