18870999
Degree
- All other forms occur in the periphrasis,
including adverbs ending in -ly (e.g.
*quicklier).
- Is a category that relates to
adjectives and adverbs.
- Lesser degree can be expressed
periphrastically with less and least,
as in less big, least beautiful.
- The three degrees of a particular
word are expressed by different
roots, as in bad/worse/worst. This
is called suppletion.
- Superlative degree expresses the greatest
degree or intensity of the quality in one of
three or more items. Is expressed either by
inflection (by means of -er, -est) or by
periphrasis (using more, most)
- It has three terms:
positive, comparative, and
superlative degree.
- Whether the inflection or the
periphrasis depends upon the
phonological shape of the root.
- A form such as best time or closest of
friends often expresses a high degree
rather than a true comparison, with the
superlative equivalent to ‘very’.
- Finally, it is also common to hear the
superlative used in the comparison of two
items, as in put your best foot forward, the
most advantageous of two alternatives.
- Positive degree expresses a quality. Is
expressed by the root of the adjective
(e.g. big, beautiful) or adverb (e.g. fast,
quickly) – that is, it is null-realized –
- Comparative degree expresses a greater
degree or intensity of the quality in one
of two items. Is expressed either by
inflection (by means of -er, -est) or by
periphrasis (using more, most)
Want to create your own Mind Maps for free with GoConqr? Learn more.