How are adnouns divided?--What constitutes the true character of an
adjective?--What are the signification and denotement of the
terminations, _en, ed_, and _ig?_--What do _left_ and _own_
signify?--Name the three ways in which restrictives are applied.--How
was numeration originally performed?--What is said of _twain, twenty,
score_, and the ordinal numbers?--What is said of the changes produced
in the meaning of words, by the principle of association?
EXERCISES IN FALSE SYNTAX. NOTE 9, under RULE 18. Double _Comparatives_
and _Superlatives_ should be avoided; such as, _worser, lesser, more_
deeper, _more_ wickeder, &c.: _chiefest, supremest, perfectest,
rightest_; or _more_ perfect, _most_ perfect, _most_ supreme, &c.
Virtue confers the most supreme dignity on man, and it should be his
chiefest desire.
He made the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to
rule the night.
The phrases "most supreme," and "chiefest," in the first sentence, are
incorrect, because _supreme_ and _chief_ are in the superlative degree
without having the superlative form superadded, which addition makes
them double superlatives. They should be written, "confers supreme
dignity," and, "his chief desire."
We can say, one thing is _less_ than another, or _smaller_ than another,
because the adjectives _less_ and _smaller_ are in the comparative
degree; but the phrase "_lesser_ light," in the second sentence, is
inaccurate. _Lesser_ is a double comparative, which, according to the
preceding Note, should be avoided. _Lesser_ is as incorrect as _badder,
gooder, worser_. "The _smaller_ light," would be less exceptionable. You
can correct the following without my assistance. Correct them _four_
times over.
The pleasures of the understanding are more preferable than those of
imagination or sense. The tongue is like a race-horse, which runs the
faster the lesser weight it carries. The nightingale's voice is the most
sweetest in the grove. The Most Highest hath created us for his glory,
He was admitted to the chiefest offices. The first witness gave a strong
proof of the fact; the next more stronger still; but the last witness,
the most stronger of all. He gave the fullest and the most sincere proof
of the truer friendship.