3

I was under the impression that ungradable adjectives cannot have comparative forms in any circumstances, because there are no degrees in those adjectives.

But I found a quotation from George Orwell containing an ungradable adjective "equal" and since then I wondered if there are other ungradable adjectives that can be used in comparative form.

"Some animals are more equal than others." (George Orwell)

| improve this question | |
  • 8
    All English adjectives are gradable, but some are more gradable than others. – Peter Shor Dec 14 '15 at 21:52
  • 2
    I think one has to say that it's usages, not the adjectives themselves, that are gradable. For instance, 'unique' is ungradable in its original sense, but ODO also gives a broadened sense 'Particularly remarkable, special, or unusual' which is gradable. 'Equal' as used by Orwell is a nonce broadening to illustrate the hypocrisy involved. 'His glass is fuller than mine' is idiomatic for 'His glass is more nearly full than mine'. – Edwin Ashworth Dec 14 '15 at 22:42
  • @EdwinAshworth very helpful. – Afsane Dec 14 '15 at 23:01
7

The whole point of that passage is bitter irony: the revolution was carried out under the principle "All animals are equal" but is subverted when Napoleon's party assumes dictatorship and rewrites the principle :

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.

Logically and grammatically it's meaningless; but power trumps logic and grammar.

| improve this answer | |
  • 2
    How very true.. – Greg Lee Dec 14 '15 at 21:55
  • 2
    And, to generalize, the (relatively rare) technique is used with other adjectives (though I can't think of any at the moment) to indicate a degree of sarcasm/ridicule in a classification system. – Hot Licks Dec 14 '15 at 22:10

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.