William is stronger than Thomas.
Thus, the comparative degree of the adjective strong is stronger.
3. The superlative degree is formed by adding est to the positive degree.
It denotes that the quality exists in the highest degree in the object described.
Herbert is strongest of the three.
Other examples of the comparison of adjectives are:—
| Positive Degree | Comparative Degree | Superlative Degree |
|---|---|---|
| rich | richer | richest |
| poor | poorer | poorest |
| fast | faster | fastest |
| firm | firmer | firmest |
183. Rules of Spelling.
1. Adjectives ending in silent e drop this letter before the comparative ending er and the superlative ending est. Thus,—
- wise, wiser, wisest;
- pure, purer, purest;
- handsome, handsomer, handsomest.