valent usually to
_very_ with the positive degree; as,--

To this the Count offers a _most wordy_ declaration of the
benefits conferred by Spain.--_The Nation_, No 1507

In all formulas that Johnson could stand by, there needed to be a
_most genuine_ substance.--CARLYLE

A gentleman, who, though born in no very high degree, was _most
finished_, _polished_, _witty_, _easy_, _quiet_.--THACKERAY

He had actually nothing else save a rope around his neck, which
hung behind in the _queerest_ way.--_Id._

"So help me God, madam, I will," said Henry Esmond, falling on
his knees, and kissing the hand of his _dearest_ mistress.--_Id._

[Sidenote: _Adjectives irregularly compared._]

163. Among the variously derived adjectives now in our language
there are some which may always be recognized as native English. These
are adjectives irregularly compared.

Most of them have worn down or become confused with similar words, but
they are essentially the same forms that have lived for so many
centuries.

The following lists include the majority of them:--

LIST I.

1. Good or well Better Best
2. Evil, bad, ill Worse Worst
3. Little Less, lesser Least
4. Much or many More Most
5. Old Elder, older Eldest, oldest
6. Nigh Nigher Nighest, next
7. Near Nearer Nearest
8. Far Farther, further Farthest, furthest
9. Late Later, latter Latest, last
10. Hind Hinder Hindmost, hindermost

LIST II.

These have no adjective positive:--

1. [In] Inner Inmost, innermost
2. [Out] Outer, utter {Outmost, outermost
{Utmost, uttermost
3. [Up] Upper Upmost, uppermost

LIST III.

A few of comparative form but not comparative meaning:--

After Over Under Nether

Remarks on Irregular Adjectives.

[Sidenote: _List I._]

164. (1) The word good has no comparative or superlative, but takes
the place of a positive to _better_ and _best_. There was an old
comparative _bet_, which has gone out of use; as in the sentence (14th
century), "Ich singe _bet_ than thu dest" (I sing better than thou
dost). The superlative I form was _betst_, which has softened to the
modern _be