— descriptively , adv. — descriptiveness , n.
/di skrip"tiv/ , adj.
1. having the quality of describing; characterized by description: a descriptive passage in an essay.
2. -
a. Gram. (of an adjective or other modifier) expressing a quality of the word it modifies, as fresh in fresh milk. Cf. limiting .
b. (of a clause) nonrestrictive. Cf. restrictive (def. 4).
3. noting, concerned with, or based upon the fact or experience.
4. characterized by or based upon the classification and description of material in a given field: descriptive botany.
[ 1745-55; descriptivus, equiv. to L descript ( us ) (see DESCRIPTION) + -ivus -IVE ]