Issues in the logic of adjectives

Kazimierz Twardowski

pp. 28-30

in: Jerzy Pelc (ed), Semiotics in Poland 1984–1969, Berlin, Springer, 1979

Abstract

The classification of adjectives into determining (…) and modifying (…) adjectives is well known. The former, when joined to a noun, add either a positive or a negative characteristic to its meaning (a "learned man", an "inexperienced person"); the latter, when joined to a noun, take away its original meaning. But, while losing its original meaning, a noun, when combined with a modifying adjective, becomes a name of an object to which the noun, taken in its original meaning, may no longer be applied (an "artificial limb", a "forged banknote", a "former minister", etc.). Furthermore, like adjectives, adverbs and adverbial phrases may also be classified into those that determine and those that modify.