2

I always forget that "elative" is no grammar term in English.

In Latin grammars (at least in German ones) "Elativ" is a superlative form that is not translated as superlative but with "very/highly", expressing a high degree but not the absolutely highest degree.

What is the English term for an expression such as: - a most interesting novel

Improve this question
5
  • 2
    This is also called elative in English.
    – Alex B.
    Jul 10, 2012 at 14:10
  • 1
    By a few people, perhaps. Most educated English speakers wouldn't understand the term, and would probably also be pretty unclear about positive, comparative, and superlative.
    – John Lawler
    Jul 10, 2012 at 15:34
  • @JohnLawler, of course! Just like most educated German speakers wouldn't understand the word "Elativ".
    – Alex B.
    Jul 10, 2012 at 19:13
  • @rhuffstedtler, "elative" is pretty common in linguistic typology. References? How about this one books.google.com/…?
    – Alex B.
    Jul 10, 2012 at 19:15
  • @Alex B- just as an interesting note, the table 6-1 on page 109 of your reference is missing the opposite of Excessive which I might call "Insufficient"- i.e., David is not smart enough.
    – Jim
    Jul 10, 2012 at 19:45

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

I have typically seen "most" in your example labeled as an intensifier in English grammar. It's functioning as a grammatical expletive rather than as a true superlative.

Alex B. - do you have a reference for that being called an elative in English? I was not able to find one.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    You comment to Alex should be a comment in the main item, not in your answer.
    – Mitch
    Jul 10, 2012 at 15:58

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

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