Gradativity

Gradativity is a term used in linguistics and semantics to describe whether a predicate or adjective can express varying degrees of a property along a scale. Gradable predicates allow degrees to be assigned to their argument, enabling comparisons and modification by degree terms. Examples include tall, warm, expensive, which can be graded as in taller, warmer, more expensive, or with intensifiers like very.

Non-gradable predicates express a fixed state and resist degree-based modification. In many contexts, predicates such as dead, complete, or true function as absolute states that do not readily participate in scale-based comparison. Some words may be contextually gradable or marginally gradable depending on use; the gradability of a given predicate can shift with interpretation and domain.

The study of gradativity intersects with degree semantics, scalar interpretation, and the syntax of comparatives and intensifiers. The typical analysis posits a scale or measure function that assigns a degree to an object for a given property, with gradability depending on the existence of a meaningful ordering and endpoints on that scale. Monotonicity, scale type, and contextual factors influence which adjectives are gradable and how they interact with operators like more, less, and very.

Cross-linguistic work shows variation in how languages encode gradativity, including inflection, separate degree words, or reliance on adverbs to express degree. Applications include natural language understanding and sentiment analysis, where the degree of an adjective affects interpretation and processing.

See also: gradable adjective, degree semantics, intensifier, scalar expression.