[Sidenote: _List II._]
165. In List II. (Sec. 163) the comparatives and superlatives are
adjectives, but they have no adjective positives.
The comparatives are so in form, but not in their meaning.
The superlatives show examples again of double inflection, and of
comparative added to double-superlative inflection.
Examples (from Carlyle) of the use of these adjectives: "revealing the
_inner_ splendor to him;" "a mind that has penetrated into the
_inmost_ heart of a thing;" "This of painting is one of the
_outermost_ developments of a man;" "The _outer_ is of the day;"
"far-seeing as the sun, the _upper_ light of the world;" "the
_innermost_ moral soul;" "their _utmost_ exertion."
[Sidenote: -Most _added to other words_.]
166. The ending _-most_ is added to some words that are not usually
adjectives, or have no comparative forms.
There, on the very _topmost_ twig, sits that ridiculous but
sweet-singing bobolink.--H.W. BEECHER.
Decidedly handsome, having such a skin as became a young woman of
family in _northernmost_ Spain.--DE QUINCEY.
Highest and _midmost_, was descried The royal banner floating
wide.--SCOTT.
[Sidenote: _List III._]
167. The adjectives in List III. are like the comparative forms in
List II. in having no adjective positives. They have no superlatives,
and have no comparative force, being merely descriptive.
Her bows were deep in the water, but her _after_ deck was still
dry.--KINGSLEY.
Her, by the by, in _after_ years I vainly endeavored to
trace.--DE QUINCEY.
The upper and the _under_ side of the medal of Jove.--EMERSON.
Have you ever considered what a deep _under_ meaning there lies
in our custom of strewing flowers?--RUSKIN.
Perhaps he rose out of some _nether_ region.--HAWTHORNE.
_Over_ is rarely used separately as an adjective.
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