Humanities and Arts
Ordinal numbers: Not superlatives, but modifiers of superlatives
Abstract
Key Questions about Ordinal Numbers and Superlatives
How do ordinal numbers function in relation to superlatives?
Ordinal numbers are proposed to function as exceptive modifiers of superlatives. For example, the "n-th highest mountain" refers to the mountain that, with n - 1 exceptions, is the highest. This interpretation suggests that ordinals modify superlatives by specifying exceptions to the highest degree.
What challenges do existing theories face regarding ordinals and superlatives?
Existing theories often attribute to ordinals all or almost all of the semantic properties of superlatives, leading to difficulties in explaining constructions where an ordinal and a superlative combine to form a complex modifier. These theories struggle to account for the nuanced relationship between ordinals and superlatives in such constructions.
How does the proposed semantics address these challenges?
The proposed semantics, where ordinals are exceptive modifiers of superlatives, offers a principled explanation for constructions like "the third highest mountain." This approach clarifies how ordinals and superlatives can combine to form complex modifiers, resolving issues present in previous theories.
What implications does this approach have for understanding plurality in ordinals and superlatives?
This approach provides a principled explanation of differences between ordinals and superlatives with respect to plurality. By treating ordinals as exceptive modifiers, it offers insights into how these linguistic elements interact with plural concepts, enhancing our understanding of their semantic roles.
By addressing these questions, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of the semantic roles of ordinal numbers and their relationship with superlatives in linguistic theory.
