Komparform

Komparform refers to the grammatical form used to compare two or more entities with respect to a property described by an adjective or an adverb. It is the comparative degree, functioning between the base form (positive) and the superlative.

Formation varies across languages. In many languages comparatives are formed synthetically by modifying the adjective or adverb itself (for example English tall → taller; German groß → größer). Others use analytic constructions, combining the base with a separate word such as English more beautiful or French plus intelligent. Some languages employ both systems, with rules depending on the word’s length, semantics, or irregularity. Irregular forms are common, such as good → better and bad → worse in English.

Usage and syntax are generally straightforward: comparatives compare two entities and are often followed by than (This car is faster than that one). They modify adjectives or adverbs and can be intensified by modifiers like almost, much, or considerably. In many languages the comparative also interacts with agreement and case in adjective endings, though patterns differ by language.

Cross-linguistic note: While the basic idea of a comparative degree is universal in grammar, the exact formation and morphosyntactic behavior of the Komparform vary widely. Some languages rely on affixes, others on separate words, and some mix both approaches. Irregular comparatives and closely related superlatives add further variation.

See also: comparative degree, adjective, adverb, superlative form.