comparative

Everyday

1. (grammar) The comparative is the form of an adjective or adverb used to compare two things: bigger, taller, more beautiful, better. tree →
2. Comparative means judged by comparing with something else: «comparative comfort», «comparatively easy». tree →
3. Comparative describes a study that compares things: comparative religion. tree →

In the lessons

In English grammar lessons pupils learn comparatives and superlatives (big, bigger, biggest). In maths it links to comparing amounts with «more than», «less than». Phrases: «comparative form», «comparative adjective», «comparatively small».

Examples

• «Taller» is the comparative of «tall». tree →
• The comparative of «good» is «better». tree →
• After the storm, the calm felt like comparative luxury. tree →
• The test was comparatively easy this time. tree →
• Write the comparative and superlative of «fast». tree →
• Long words use «more»: «more interesting» is a comparative. tree →
• It is practically impossible to use the long tabulations for comparative purposes without some such shorthand. tree →

Note

Rules: short words add -er (cold → colder), words ending in y change to -ier (happy → happier), long words use «more» (more careful). Irregular: good → better, bad → worse, far → further/farther. Use «than» after a comparative: taller than me. Do not say «more bigger». Superlative: biggest, most careful.