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 (in 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 –I, you normally do not double the l, but 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).
Spelling help
Remember that comparative is spelled with -ara- in the middle.
