Greater

Definition

In the context of adjective declensions and comparison, 'greater' is the comparative form of the adjective 'great,' used to indicate a higher degree or quality. This term is essential in understanding how adjectives change form to express varying levels of comparison, reflecting differences in quantity, quality, or intensity between two or more nouns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Greater' is formed by modifying the base adjective 'great,' which exemplifies how English adjectives can be transformed into comparative forms.
2. In Old English, comparisons could be made using inflections or by employing the words 'more' and 'most,' similar to the modern English approach.
3. 'Greater' is used not just for size, but can also imply superiority in terms of quality or significance, depending on the context.
4. Understanding how to form comparatives like 'greater' is crucial for mastering the structure and meaning of sentences involving comparisons.
5. 'Greater' is part of a larger system where adjectives must agree in case and number with the nouns they modify, particularly in languages with more complex declension patterns.

Review Questions

• How does the term 'greater' illustrate the concept of comparative adjectives?
  • 'Greater' serves as an example of a comparative adjective because it indicates a higher degree of quality compared to another noun. In this case, it compares 'greatness' between two subjects, showing that one possesses more of a certain characteristic than the other. This understanding highlights how comparative forms allow speakers to convey distinctions in characteristics clearly.
• Discuss the transformation of the adjective 'great' into its comparative form and its implications for sentence structure.
  • 'Great' becomes 'greater' through a process that typically involves adding '-er' to the base adjective. This transformation not only alters the meaning of the adjective but also affects how sentences are structured. For instance, when using 'greater,' a speaker must consider how it interacts with nouns and verbs in terms of grammatical agreement and clarity in comparison.
• Evaluate the role of comparatives like 'greater' within broader linguistic frameworks and their effects on communication.
  • Comparatives like 'greater' play a vital role in language by allowing speakers to express nuances in comparison. This function facilitates clearer communication by helping listeners understand relationships between subjects in terms of quantity and quality. Analyzing how comparatives operate within different linguistic frameworks reveals deeper insights into how languages handle expression and meaning, particularly concerning adjectives and their modifications.

Related terms

Adjective: 'Adjective' refers to a word that describes or modifies a noun, providing additional detail about its qualities or characteristics.

Comparative: 'Comparative' refers to the form of an adjective used to compare two entities, typically formed by adding '-er' or using 'more' before the adjective.

Superlative: 'Superlative' refers to the form of an adjective that expresses the highest degree of a quality among three or more entities, often formed by adding '-est' or using 'most.'