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Absolute Adjectives

Discussion in 'Other Discussions' started by humblethinker, Oct 31, 2012.

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  1. humblethinker

    humblethinker Active Member

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    It is not generally accepted, at least by those in the field of linguistics/grammar, to use the term 'most perfect' or 'more perfect'.

    Examples of controversy and/or objection:
    Preamble of the US constitution "...in order to form a more perfect union…"
    Grammarphobia.com http://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2008/01/justifiable-usage.html
    http://www.baptistboard.com/showpost.php?p=1919113&postcount=24
    There are many more...

    Interesting articles about language and usage:
    http://grammar.about.com/od/tz/g/usageterm.htm
    http://grammar.about.com/od/ab/g/absadjterm.htm
     
    #1 humblethinker, Oct 31, 2012
  2. billwald

    billwald New Member

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    It is mathematical problem? Like comparing infinities?
     
    #2 billwald, Oct 31, 2012
  3. humblethinker

    humblethinker Active Member

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    That's something to think on for sure... it seems whether in mathematics or grammar, there are similarities in logic. Maybe that's where these issues arise and are just manifested in grammar in mathematics.

    Good question Billwald.
     
    #3 humblethinker, Nov 1, 2012
  4. humblethinker

    humblethinker Active Member

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    #4 humblethinker, Nov 1, 2012
  5. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    http://www.thefreedictionary.com/absolute
    http://www.thefreedictionary.com/perfect
    http://www.thefreedictionary.com/equal
     
    #5 Jerome, Nov 1, 2012
  6. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    The correct way to say it is "more nearly perfect," regardless of how our Consistution puts it.

    If it's perfect, it can't be more perfect.

    If can be "more," it can't be perfect.

    Perfect is an absolute. Either it is or it isn't.

    Like pregnant. Either you are or our aren't.
     
    #6 Tom Butler, Nov 9, 2012
  7. Jerome

    Jerome Well-Known Member
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    #7 Jerome, Nov 9, 2012
  8. humblethinker

    humblethinker Active Member

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    Haha, yeah, I'm sure for some people that DOES settle it! It IS 'orthodox'! Good catch there Jerome!
     
    #8 humblethinker, Nov 20, 2012
  9. humblethinker

    humblethinker Active Member

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    So Tom, would you agree that there is no such thing as a perfect chair?
     
    #9 humblethinker, Nov 20, 2012
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