文摘
This paper explores a novel analysis of adjectives in the comparative and the positive based on the notion of a trope, rather than the notion of a degree. Tropes are particularized properties, concrete manifestations of properties in individuals. The point of departure is that a sentence like R16;John is happier than MaryR17; is intuitively equivalent to R16;JohnR17;s happiness exceeds MaryR17;s happinessR17;, a sentence that expresses a simple comparison between two tropes, JohnR17;s happiness and MaryR17;s happiness. The analysis received particular support from various parallels between adjectival constructions and corresponding adjective nominalizations which make reference to tropes.