Adjectives

The structure and comparison of

THE ADJECTIVE
Structure
A word denoting an attribute of the noun
Simple
Black, white, right, sweet
Compound
Snow-white sheet
Pitch-dark
Derivative (->)
Derivative adjectives
Common suffixes
-ful: attached to abstract nouns
-less:
denotes lack of something: homeless
action cannot be performed: countless
Meaning of base noun does not apply: tireless

-ful and less can form antonyms: careful-careless

 -able/-ible
Derives transitive verbs
if base is a verb, -ing spelling rules apply
Denotes
the existence of the attribute: knowledgeable

-ible: derives borrowed words and neoclassical words

- Able : attached to nouns (fashionable), intransiotive verbs (variable)
 -ly
A. Attached to nouns denoting time
Derived words may be adverbs as well
This periodical is published weekly.
B. Attached to concrete nouns not work as adverbs.
C. attached to adjective
 -y : attached to common nouns
Final e is dropped before y (easy exam) / final consonant
doubled (starry night)
-ant/-ent
-al (-ial, -ical), -ic, -ous (-eous, -ious)
Usually attached to borrowed or neoclassical words
Source of confusion : -ic versus -ical
 -ary, -ory, -ate
-ish: denotes origin, attribute expressed by the base
Other meaning: a little
-(i)an attached to proper names
Rare suffixes
-ese
-ist
-ite
-like
-some
-worthy
Comparison of adjectives
Gradable adjectives
Synthetical and analytical comparison
Synthetical comparison
Comparative degree: -er
Superlative degree: the est

One-syllable adjectives
Except: like, real, right, wrong
Two-syllable adjectives
-er, -y, -le-, -ow, -some
Last syllable is stressed: complete, obscure, etc
Exception: adjectives that start with a- prefix
Analytical comparison
Comparative degree: more/less
Superlative degree: the most/least

Adjectives with three- or more syllables

Adjectives derived from ing, or ed participles
Some 2-syllable adjectives may have synthetical and
analytical degrees of comparison
Exceptions: like, real, right, wrong, afraid, alert,
alone, aware rare in comparison form
2-syllable adjectives that end in 2 consonants
 Comparative form of Latin adjectives are not graded anymore:
senior, junior, superior, inferior, major, minor
Final silent e is dropped before er and est
Final y becomes -i before er and est
Exception: shy, sly
Final consonant doubles at the end of 1-syllable adjectives:
slimmer
Irregular adjectives
Positive degree Comparative Superlative
good better best
bad worse worst
little less least
far farther farthest
further furthest
near nearer nearest
next
late later latest
latter last
old older oldest
elder eldest
northern more northern northernmost
southern more southern southernmost
western more western westernmost