Definition

This term describes something that comes after a word, especially in grammar, where it is positioned following the noun or adjective it modifies.

Example

In the phrase 'the president elect', 'elect' is a postpositive adjective.

Conversation

I learned that some adjectives can be postpositive, like in certain phrases.

That's interesting! Can you give me an example?

Sure! In the phrase 'the president elect', 'elect' is a postpositive adjective.

Got it! It's funny how English has these quirky rules.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A word or particle that comes after another word in a sentence.

Example

In the phrase 'the president elect', 'elect' is a postpositive.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term postpositive?

Yeah, I think it refers to words that come after others, right?

Exactly! I was reading about it in my grammar book.

Root Explanation

Postpositive → It is formed from "post-" (meaning after) and "positus" (from the Latin "ponere", meaning to place). The term describes something that is placed after another element, particularly in grammar where an adjective follows the noun it modifies.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'placed after' ('post-') another item — that's why postpositive refers to elements that come after in a sentence.

Visually Confused Words