Alternating adjectives

Abstract

Abstract The paper describes a puzzle in the semantics of a class of English adjectives which alternate systematically in meaning. We know from the literature on adjectival meanings that the STIMULUS vs. EXPERIENCER pair of roles forms the basis of two kinds of adjectives in English depending on whether the STIMULUS or the EXPERIENCER is the one who holds the property. Our puzzle adjectives alternate between these two readings in a way parallel to the morphologically marked adjectival participles (in -ed vs. -ing) of Object Experiencer verbs. I argue further that there are reasons to think that the relationship between these two roles in this alternation is a stative version of causation, with the STIMULUS reading of the adjective being derived from the Psych EXPERIENCER reading. The existence of this alternation shows that within simple property ascriptions (of which adjectival predication is a prototypical expression) a distinction is made between Holders of properties simpliciter, and Holders of causational-properties. Thus, in analysing this adjectival puzzle as a parallel to verbal diathesis, the paper contributes to the debate on the similarities and differences between states and dynamic events.