Question

The comparative and superlative forms of the adjective 'good' are examples of:

• A. Alternation
• B. Syncope
• C. Ablaut
• D. Suppletion

Hint:

Suppletion occurs when forms of a word do not follow regular inflection patterns, often due to historical linguistic developments or irregularities.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The comparative and superlative forms of the adjective "good" are better and best, which are not formed by regular affixation but by entirely different stems. This is an example of Suppletion, where forms of the word are derived from completely different roots rather than from regular morphological rules. Option (A), Alternation, refers to changes within a single root, like the alternation between "sing" and "sung," which is not the case here.
Option (B), Syncope, refers to the omission of sounds within a word, such as the dropping of vowels in certain forms. This is not relevant to the forms of "good."
Option (C), Ablaut, refers to vowel gradation (e.g., "sing" – "sang" – "sung"), but "good" follows a pattern of suppletion, not vowel change. \[ \boxed{\text{Correct answer: (D).}} \]