Adjectives: IrregularΒΆ
Positive |
Comparative |
Superlative |
Type / Notes |
Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
after |
latter |
last |
Used in contrasts (former/latter) |
Of the two proposals, the latter is clearer. |
bad |
worse |
worst |
Suppletive |
This road is worse than the other. |
before |
former |
foremost |
Lexicalized |
The former president spoke yesterday. |
far |
farther / further |
farthest / furthest |
Double system |
The station is farther than I thought. |
fore |
former |
foremost |
Lexicalized comparison |
The foremost expert spoke at the conference. |
good |
better |
best |
Suppletive |
She gave the best answer. |
hind |
hinder |
hindmost |
Archaic/limited |
The hindmost wagon broke down. |
in |
inner |
innermost / inmost |
Spatial/figurative |
They reached the innermost chamber. |
late |
later |
latest / last |
Time vs sequence |
This is the latest report. |
little |
less |
least |
Suppletive (amount) |
We have the least time today. |
many / much |
more |
most |
Suppletive (quantity) |
We need more data. |
near |
nearer |
nearest / next |
Distance vs sequence |
The next train leaves soon. |
old |
older / elder |
oldest / eldest |
Family forms |
My elder sister lives abroad. |
out |
outer |
outermost / utmost |
Spatial/figurative |
The outermost wall collapsed. |
up |
upper |
uppermost / utmost |
Mostly attributive |
The upper deck is closed. |