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The degree of comparison of an adjective describes the relational value of an adjective or adjectival expression. An adjective may simply describe a quality (absolute degree); may compare the quality to that of another of its kind (comparative degree); may compare the quality to many or all others (superlative degree); or may describe it as having a very large degree of a quality (in Semitic linguistics, called an elative).
The degree of comparison may be expressed synthetically, through morphology, or analytically, through syntax. In English, for example, most monosyllabic and some disyllabic adjectives have morphological degrees of comparison: green (absolute), greener (comparative), greenest (superlative); pretty, prettier, prettiest; while most polysyllabic adjectives use syntax: complex, more complex, most complex.
The absolute degree is the most basic form of the adjective, absolute because it does not describe a quality in relation to the qualities of others.
The comparative degree denotes a greater amount of a quality relative to something else. The phrase “Anna is taller than her father” means that Anna's degree of tallness is greater than her father's degree of tallness.
The superlative degree denotes the largest quality among a group, or among all things of a certain kind.
In various languages
English usage
Traditional English grammar uses the comparative form when comparing exactly two things, and the superlative when comparing three or more, but in informal usage this may not hold.
Rhetorical use of unbalanced comparatives
In some contexts, such as advertising or political speeches, absolute and relative comparatives are intentionally employed in a way that invites a comparison, and yet the basis of comparison is not established. This is a common rhetorical device used to create an implication of significance where one may not actually be present. Although such usage is common, it is sometimes considered ungrammatical.
For example:
- Always!
- Why pay more?
- We work harder.
- We sell for less!