degree of comparison

Definitions

A form of an adjective that indicates a different degree of the attribute the adjective denotes; like the positive, comparative and superlative forms.

Equivalents

Examples

“The degrees of comparison of good are good (positive), better (comparative) and best (superlative).”

“The word red is an adjective, in the dogmatical or positive degree of comparison.”

“There are commonly reckoned three degrees of comparison, namely: the positive, comparative and superlative; though, strictly speaking, there are but two degrees, the positive being merely the state of the adjective itself.”

“Among the degrees of comparison, some have⟳ enumerated equality; as when we say⟳, "It is as sweet as honey."”

“The degrees of comparison possible are: positive (big), comparative (bigger), superlative (biggest), and elative (very big).”

CEFR level