Definitions of Degrees of Comparison: Grade 6 English Entrance Exam

Degrees of comparison are the different forms of an adjective or adverb that we use to compare people, animals, places, or things. There are three degrees: positive, comparative, and superlative.

1. Positive Degree
Used when no comparison is made. We are just describing one person or thing.
Example: Madan is old. This room is big.

2. Comparative Degree
Used when two persons or things are compared. We usually add -er to short words, or use more before long words, and then use than.
Example: Madan is older than Mahesh. Sita is more beautiful than Geeta.

3. Superlative Degree
Used when more than two persons or things are compared. We usually add -est to short words, or use most before long words, and use the before it.
Example: Madan is the oldest student in the class. Sita is the most beautiful girl in her class.

Quick chart:

Remember: No comparison → positive. Two things → comparative (with than). More than two → superlative (with the).