Degrees of comparison

The category of the degrees of comparison of adjectives is the system of opposemes (long-longer-longest) showing quantitative distinction of qualities.

1. Positive degree (is not marked, we may speak of a zero morpheme).

2. Comparative degree.

3. Superlative degree.

Practically most grammarians believe that there are two degrees of comparison: the comparative and the superlative, in contrast to which the adjective expressing the simple quality without comparison is said to be in the positive degree.

The last two degrees are built up either synthetically (by the inflexions –er,

-est ) or analytically (by adding more and most).

The forms of the superlative degree are usually used with the definite article. The phrase “most adjective”, on the other hand, may be used with the indefinite article. In that case it expresses a very high degree of quality of a property without implying any comparison.

-It is the most interesting book I have ever read (a part of the analytical form of the superlative degree of the adjective “interesting”).

-It is a most interesting book (an adverbial modifier of degree to the attribute “interesting”, a most interesting = very interesting).

The basic meaning of the superlative is that of a degree of a property surpassing all the other objects mentioned or implied. However, there are cases when the meaning is different and merely a very high degree of a property is meant without any comparison with other objects possessing the property.

-It is with the greatest pleasure that…

Here the thing is not compared but is regarded as possessing a certain quality in a very high degree. In such cases the definite article is sometimes omitted.

This meaning of the form is usually described as the elative. It seems to have a peculiar stylistic colouring, being essentially uncolloqual.

Irregular forms of comparison (suppletive forms)

Some adjectives have irregular forms of comparison:

1. A few adjectives have suppletive forms of comparison: good-better-(the) best; bad-worse-(the)worst.

2. A few adjectives have two forms of comparison.

• far- father-(the)farthest (-further-the furthest)

• near-nearer-(the)nearest (the next)

• late-later-(the)latest (latter-the last)

• old-older-(the)oldest (elder-the eldest)

1. Farther, farthest – further, furthest are used with reference to distance. But only “further” is used to express that something will follow: The school is at the farthest (furthest) end of the village. Further details are necessary.

2. “Nearest” refers to distance, “next” is used when order is meant: My next care will be to find the nearest way to the next village.

3. “Late and later” refer to time. “Latest” has also the meaning of “most recent”. “Latter and last” are used with reference to order:

   • This is the latest edition of the book.

   • The last edition of the book is sold out.

   • That is the last news we heard of him (we have heard no more of him).

   • This is the latest news we have heard of him (we expected to hear some more).

4. “Older and oldest” denote age and long duration. “Elder and eldest” are used to distinguish members of the same family, also speaking of people higher in rank and authority.

   • The oldest friend I have is older than I am.

   • When I met her she’d lost her elder son.

   • The eldest boy ran out to fetch some milk.

   • He is the eldest in the collective farm.

“Older” is always an adjective and followed by “than”. “Elder” is never followed by “than” and can be used as a noun.

• He is older than his sister.

• I know his elder daughter.

• He is the elder of the two brothers (but the eldest of the three brothers).

• I want to see her elders.