1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Spanish Language

Demonstrative Adjective

By , About.com Guide

Definition: An adjective that points out which item, object, person or concept is being referred to. In both English and Spanish, the same words are used for demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adjectives, although in Spanish the masculine and feminine pronouns use an orthographic accent to distinguish them from the adjectives.

In English, demonstrative adjectives always come before the nouns they refer to. In Spanish they usually do.

Also Known As: adjetivo demostrativo in Spanish.
Examples:
English has four demonstrative pronouns: "this," "that," "these" and "those." In the masculine singular form, Spanish has three demonstrative pronouns: ese, este and aquel. They also exist in feminine and plural forms and must match the nouns they refer to in number and gender.

Explore Spanish Language

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Spanish Language

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.