D.Litt. et Phil. (Latin) / The aim of this study is to establish the importance of the comparative and superlative degrees of the adjective in general, to evaluate the effectiveness of the comparatives and superlatives which Tacitus applies in his writings, and to ascertain what contribution they make to the individual texts and to the study of Tacitus' works as a whole. Conflict, contrast and comparison feature prominently in Tacitus' record and interpretation of historical events, and his portrayal of character. Conflict presupposes comparison and in this regard comparatives and superlatives may be considered indispensable elements of Tacitus' writings. His skill in applying these degrees of the adjective allows him to utilise them to the full, and, directly and indirectly, to record and interpret, inform and imply, enhance and enliven, compare and contrast, evoke and express, colour and persuade. The persuasive power that comparatives and superlatives possess may vary from negligible to significant and, consequently, they may be classified as neutral or loaded respectively. They fulfill both an intrinsic and contextual function, and an evaluation ~f their effectiveness can only be determined after consideration of both functions.