イギリス英会話ブログ

Some English adjectives have very strong meanings and are used slightly differently to ‘normal’ adjectives. Here is a list of adjectives in sets of 3 which all have similar meanings. The meanings get stronger as you read from left to right.

• annoyed - angry - furious
• unexpected - surprising - astonishing
• peckish - hungry - starving
• cool - cold - freezing
• afraid - frightened - terrified
• unusual - rare - unique
• clever - intelligent - brilliant
• warm - hot - boiling
• amusing - funny - hilarious
• good - tasty - delicious

‘Normal’ adjectives can be used with ‘very’ : “He’s very angry about it”. And, they can be used in the comparative : “It’s hotter than it was yesterday.” But, strong adjectives cannot be used like this. So the following sentences are wrong :

the comparative - 比較級

• He was very furious.
• He was more furious than I expected.

With strong adjectives, you must use ‘absolutely’ or ‘really’ :

• He was absolutely furious. / He was really furious.
• It was absolutely delicious. / It was really delicious.

To finish, here are some example conversations :

• It’s very cold in here, isn’t it?
• Too right. It’s absolutely freezing.

• Weren’t you annoyed about his drunken behaviour?
• Annoyed? I was absolutely furious.