Participial Adjectives

Participial Adjectives

1. Most present and past participle forms of verbs that describe emotion or feelings can be used as adjectives, but the meanings of the participles are not the same. For example:

   • A fresh ocean breeze on a hot summer day is refreshing, so I feel refreshed.
     • The breeze is refreshing.
       • I feel refreshed.
   • Note that you cannot use the past participle/–ed form with things because things do not have emotions.
     • Here are some other common verbs which follow the same pattern to express feelings and emotions:
       • amaze, amuse, annoy, calm, confuse, disgust , distract, disturb, embarrass, encourage, entertain, fascinate, frighten , frustrate, infuriate, insult , please, refresh, relax, sicken, stimulate, surprise, terrify , thrill, worry