Definition & Meaning of "gradable adjective"

What is a "gradable adjective"?

A gradable adjective is an adjective that can express varying degrees or levels of a quality, allowing for comparison or modification. These adjectives can be modified by words like "very," "quite," "more," or "less" to indicate different intensities. For example, in the phrase "very tall," the adjective "tall" is gradable, as it can vary in height. Similarly, "more interesting" shows that something is compared to another in terms of interest. Gradable adjectives provide flexibility in descriptions, enabling speakers to convey precise meanings and nuances regarding the qualities of nouns they modify.