gradable
Allows intensity levels
Gradable describes words that can vary in degree or intensity.
Most adjectives are gradable—something can be very hot, slightly cold, or extremely tall.
Non-gradable adjectives like "dead" or "unique" theoretically don't admit degrees, though speakers often ignore this: very unique.
In linguistics, gradable antonyms like hot/cold occupy opposite ends of a spectrum rather than being absolute opposites.
Quantity with magnitude only
- comparativeInvolving measured contrast
- superlativeHighest-degree word form
- measurableAble to be gauged
- quantifiableAble to be measured
variable · modifiable · hedgeable · vague · fuzzy · imprecise · relative · borderline
Uninterrupted, gradual sequence
- spectrumContinuous range of values
- rangeExtent of variation
- clineGradual geographic trait variation
- hierarchyRanked authority structure
progression · calibration · increment · threshold · midpoint · endpoint · benchmark · baseline
Additional quantity
extremely · highly · fairly · rather · quite · moderately · intensely · barely
Absence of precision
- hedgingNoncommittal maneuvering
- approximationNear but inexact value
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- typicalityConformity to standard patterns
scalar
Quantity with magnitude only
- comparativeInvolving measured contrast
- superlativeHighest-degree word form
- measurableAble to be gauged
quantifiable · variable · modifiable · hedgeable · vague · fuzzy · imprecise · relative · borderline · intermediate
continuum
Uninterrupted, gradual sequence
hierarchy · progression · calibration · increment · threshold · midpoint · endpoint · benchmark · baseline · extremes
more
Additional quantity
slightly · extremely · highly · fairly · rather · quite · moderately · intensely · barely · almost
vagueness
Absence of precision
- hedgingNoncommittal maneuvering
- approximationNear but inexact value
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
hot-cold
Temperature spectrum poles
- adjectivesbig, urgent, amazing, temporary, bold
- modifiersadjectives, modifier, modifiers, adjective, adverb
- measurementscales, gauging, balance, metering, gram
- hyphenated wordsup-to-date, pitch-black, jaw-dropping, round-the-clock, air-conditioned
gradableabsolute
Total, without qualification
binary · all-or-nothing · categorical · dichotomous · discrete
gradablenonhierarchical
Without ranked levels
flat · unranked · egalitarian · level · equal