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Definition of appositive

appositive

/əˈpɑːzətɪv/
ap · pos · i · tive
Adverb:appositively
•
Plural:appositives
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appositive Lexical Profile

appositive Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A word, phrase, or clause placed in apposition to another noun or pronoun to rename, identify, or explain it.

Example

"In the sentence 'My sister, a skilled violinist, performed last night,' the phrase 'a skilled violinist' functions as an appositive."

• adjective

1

Relating to or being in apposition; placed immediately beside another noun or noun phrase to explain or identify it.

Example

"Nonrestrictive appositive phrases are typically set off from the rest of the sentence by commas."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for appositive

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'appositive' with 'apposite', which means apt or fitting in the circumstances.

• Rhymes for appositive

• Nearby Words

appointment
apportion
apportionment
appositive
appraisal
appraise
appraiser

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century from Late Latin appositivus, derived from Latin appositus, the past participle of apponere ('to set near or place beside'), formed from ad- ('to, toward') and ponere ('to put, place').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Appositive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/appositive
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