comparative
adjective
- 3 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb) expressing a higher degree of a quality, but not the highest possible (e.g., braver; more fiercely). Contrasted with positive, superlative.
noun
GrammarOrigin:
late Middle English (comparative (sense 3 of the adjective)): from Latin comparativus, from comparare 'to pair, match' (see compare)
Grammar
The form of an adjective that is used when comparing things. For example:He is taller than me. The comparative is formed in different ways according to the length of the base adjective: If it has one syllable, then the letters -er are added. If the word has three syllables or more, then the word ‘more’ is added before the adjective: more attractive. Words of two syllables vary: some add -er and some use ‘more.’ Some can do either, for example clever.The use of ‘more’ and adding -er are alternatives. It is wrong to use both together (e.g., more better).Spelling: adding -er If the word ends in a consonant, add -er (quick becomes quicker). With words of one syllable with a short vowel sound and ending with a single consonant, double the consonant and add -er (sad becomes sadder). With words of one syllable ending in -l, you do not double the I (cruel becomes crueler). However, in British English, this is sometimes excepted (cruel becomes crueller). If it ends in ‘e,’ add -r (late becomes later). If it ends in ‘y,’ change the ‘y’ to an ‘i’ and add -er (happy becomes happier).