Degree of comparison

The three degrees of comparison refers to the absolute, comparative, and superlative.

The absolute refers to the most basic form of the adjective, absolute because it exists without being relative to another term. In the case of the adjective tall, tall would be the absolute form of the adjective. In the case of the adjective enjoyable, enjoyable is the absolute form of the adjective.

The comparative form of the adjective is used to refer to the subject of the adjective relative to something else. For example, in the phrase, “He is taller than his father,” taller is the comparative form of the adjective tall. In the case of the adjective enjoyable, more enjoyable is the comparative form of the adjective.

The superlative form of the adjective is usually used to refer to the subject of the adjective as being the most extreme of three or more items being compared. (It is disputed whether to use the superlative there always have to be more than two items being compared.) In the phrase, “He is the tallest member of his family,” the tallest is the superlative form of the adjective. In the case of the adjective enjoyable, the most enjoyable is the superlative form of the adjective.

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 not considered grammatical.

For example:

• Always!
• Why pay more?
• We work harder.
• We sell for less!

See also

• Elative