Which of the following is not a standard degree term?

• A. Positive degree
• B. Comparative degree
• C. Superlative degree
• D. Adverbial degree

Answer: (D)

Degrees of comparison show how much a quality is present, using three standard terms: positive for the base form, comparative for a higher degree, and superlative for the highest degree. The label “adverbial degree” isn’t used in this set of standard terms. Adverbs can also show comparison (for example, quickly, more quickly, most quickly), but the common terminology for these forms is the same three—positive, comparative, and superlative. So the option that isn’t a standard degree term is the one labeled as adverbial degree.