Formation of Qualitative Adjectives in Marathi

Qualitative adjectives in Marathi can be derived from various sources, which include:

• Nouns: Quite often, qualitative adjectives are formed by adding certain suffixes to Marathi nouns. For instance, from the noun “मिठ” (sweet), one can derive the adjective “मिठास” (sweetness).
• Verbs: Some qualitative adjectives may be derived directly from verbs. For example, from the verb “धावणे” (to run), one can make the adjective “धावक” (running).
• Root words: In certain cases, adjectives can be formed directly from root words. One such example is the word “उंच” (high) which is derived from the root word “उच्” (to be high).

Agreement and Inflection of Qualitative Adjectives

One of the quintessential aspects of qualitative adjectives in Marathi is their agreement with the nouns they describe. These adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. The table below offers an illustration of how the adjective “मोठा” (big) would agree with the noun “घर” (house) in different scenarios:

Usage of Qualitative Adjectives in Sentences

Qualitative adjectives are commonly used in a variety of ways within Marathi sentences. These adjectives can be:

• Predicative: When the adjective appears in the predicate part of a sentence and is linked to the noun with the verb “to be” or “असणे”. For example, “ते घर मोठा आहे” (That house is big).
• Attributive: When the adjective directly precedes the noun it describes, without the use of any linking verb. For example, “माझा मोठा घर” (My big house).

Comparisons and Superlatives with Qualitative Adjectives

In Marathi, qualitative adjectives can also be used for comparing qualities between two or more nouns. To make comparative and superlative forms of the adjectives, specific structures are employed:

• Comparative: Adjective + “पेक्षा” + Noun. For example, “रामाचा घर शामापेक्षा मोठा आहे” (Rama’s house is bigger than Shama’s).
• Superlative: Noun + “पैकी” + Adjective + “यांचा”. For example, “त्या गावातील सर्वांत चांगला घर” (The best house in that village).

In conclusion, qualitative adjectives in Marathi grammar are essential elements that enliven and embellish the language, allowing speakers and writers to convey more nuanced and vivid descriptions. By understanding the formation, agreement, usage, and comparisons of these adjectives, one can truly master the art of vivid communication in Marathi.