GPCV Template Suite — Master Concept Taxonomy
Version 1.0 — May 2026 © 2026 Alan William Preston
Purpose
This taxonomy maps real-world concepts to GPCV templates, providing the foundation for the "I want to learn about" searchable index on the Conceptionary website. Learners may select from this index or enter their own concept.
How to Read This Document
Shape describes the conceptual structure of the gradient or pattern.
Template family lists the most appropriate template type(s).
States Mode vocabulary: primarily nouns, adjectives, adverbs.
Transitions Mode vocabulary: primarily verbs.
Collocation Mode (proposed): vocabulary items displayed with grammatical partners.
Sections marked (discrete named categories) contain no inherent gradient; items are named points rather than positions on a spectrum.
Template Code Reference
Code
Full Name
Horizontal
Horizontal Line
Vertical
Vertical Line
Diagonal
Diagonal Line (Up or Down)
IT5L
Instant Temporary 5 Lines
IT5LI
Instant Temporary 5 Lines Inverted
IP3LP
Instant Permanent 3 Lines Positive
IP3LN
Instant Permanent 3 Lines Negative
GT5L
Gradual Temporary 5 Lines
GT5LI
Gradual Temporary 5 Lines Inverted
GP3LP
Gradual Permanent 3 Lines Positive
GP3LN
Gradual Permanent 3 Lines Negative
GTCV
Gradual Temporary Curve
GTCVI
Gradual Temporary Curve Inverted
GPCVP
Gradual Permanent Curve Positive
GPCVN
Gradual Permanent Curve Negative
Clock
Clock
TTT
Telling the Time
POD
Parts of the Day
DOW
Days of the Week
MOY
Months of the Year
Seasons
Seasons of the Year
Lunar
Lunar Cycle
TidalD
Tidal Cycle (Daily)
TidalM
Tidal Cycle (Monthly)
Rice
Rice Growing Cycle
Compass
Compass
Steering
Steering Wheel — Directions
Super-Category Index
Temporal
Geographic / Places
Sensory
Action
Relational
Impression
Emotional
Mental
Physical Properties
Bodily / Physiological
Health / Medical
Natural / Environmental
Spatial / Directional
Social / Cultural
Economic / Financial
Moral / Ethical
Aesthetic / Artistic
Quantitative
Linguistic / Communicative
1. TEMPORAL
Concepts relating to time, duration, frequency, sequence, and cyclical patterns. Many cyclical templates were designed specifically for this category.
1.1 Cyclical time
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Time of day
Morning, afternoon, evening, night
Cycle
Clock / TTT / POD
Days of the week
Monday … Sunday
Cycle
DOW
Months of the year
January … December
Cycle
MOY
Seasons
Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Cycle
Seasons
Agricultural / ecological cycles
Rice growing, tidal patterns, lunar phases, menstrual cycle
Cycle
Rice / TidalD / TidalM / Lunar
1.2 Linear time
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Sequence / order
First, next, then, finally; before, during, after
Named sequence
Diagonal / GT5L
Duration
Brief, short, medium, long, endless
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Frequency
Never, rarely, sometimes, often, always
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Recency
Just now, recently, a while ago, long ago, ancient history
Negative gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Age / lifecycle
Infant, child, adolescent, adult, middle-aged, elderly
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Anticipation
Far off, approaching, imminent, now
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Speed / pace
Very slow, slow, moderate, fast, very fast
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Decay over time
Fresh, ageing, old, expired
Negative gradient
GP3LN
1.3 Punctuality and scheduling
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Punctuality
Very early, early, on time, late, very late
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Urgency
Not urgent, low priority, moderate, urgent, critical
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
2. GEOGRAPHIC / PLACES
Geographic concepts become template-ready only when a specific dimension of place is identified. The place itself is a named category; the dimension (distance, familiarity, privacy) generates the gradient.
2.1 Scale and containment
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Scale of place
Room, house, street, suburb, city, region, country, continent, world
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Rooms of a home
Bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, dining room, garage
Named categories
Horizontal / Vertical
Zones within a room
Near the window, in the corner, by the door
Proximity gradient
Diagonal
2.2 Distance and accessibility
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Physical proximity
Here, nearby, close, far, very far, out of reach
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Travel time
Walking distance, short drive, long drive, flight required
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Accessibility
Very easy to reach, easy, moderate, difficult, inaccessible
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
2.3 Familiarity with place
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Personal familiarity
Unknown, heard of, visited once, know well, know very well
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Frequency of visit
Never, rarely, occasionally, regularly, daily
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Places in life timeline
Places I've been, places I go, places I might go
Named sequence
GT5L / Horizontal
2.4 Social character of place
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Privacy
Very private (bedroom), semi-private, semi-public, public (street)
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Formality
Very informal, informal, neutral, formal, very formal
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Crowdedness
Empty, quiet, busy, crowded, packed
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Safety
Dangerous, unsafe, uncertain, safe, very safe
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Noise level
Silent, quiet, moderate, noisy, very noisy
Positive gradient
Diagonal
3. SENSORY
Concepts relating to the five senses — perception of the external world.
3.1 Visual
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Brightness
Dark, dim, moderate, bright, dazzling
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Clarity / focus
Blurred, hazy, clear, sharp
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Colour intensity
Pale, muted, vivid, saturated
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Size (perceived)
Tiny, small, medium, large, huge
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Distance (perceived)
Here, nearby, far, very far, out of sight
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Visibility
Invisible, barely visible, visible, prominent
Positive gradient
GP3LP
3.2 Auditory
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Volume
Silent, quiet, moderate, loud, deafening
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Pitch
Very low, low, mid, high, very high
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Clarity
Muffled, unclear, clear, distinct
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Pleasantness
Harsh, unpleasant, neutral, pleasant, beautiful
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
3.3 Touch
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Temperature (felt externally)
Freezing, cold, cool, warm, hot, burning
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Comfort
Painful, uncomfortable, neutral, comfortable, blissful
Bell curve
GPCVP
Texture
Rough, coarse, smooth, silky
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Pressure
None, light, moderate, firm, intense
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Pain (external)
None, mild, moderate, severe, unbearable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
3.4 Smell
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Detectability
Undetectable, faint, noticeable, strong, overpowering
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Pleasantness
Foul, unpleasant, neutral, pleasant, delightful
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
Freshness
Stale, musty, neutral, fresh, fragrant
Positive gradient
Diagonal
3.5 Taste
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Palatability
Revolting, unpleasant, acceptable, good, delicious
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Sweetness
Unsweetened, slightly sweet, sweet, very sweet, cloying
Bell curve
GPCVP
Spiciness
Mild, slightly spicy, hot, very hot, unbearable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Bitterness
None, slight, moderate, bitter, intensely bitter
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Saltiness
Unsalted, lightly salted, well-salted, salty, oversalted
Bell curve
GPCVP
Freshness (taste)
Stale, going off, neutral, fresh, very fresh
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Strangeness
Familiar, slightly unusual, unfamiliar, exotic, bizarre
Positive gradient
Diagonal
4. ACTION
Concepts describing what is done, how it is done, and with what result. Action concepts are among the most template-ready in the taxonomy — almost every sub-category maps to a clean positive gradient.
4.1 Pace and urgency
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Speed
Very slow, slow, moderate, fast, very fast
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Haste
Leisurely, unhurried, moderate, hurried, frantic
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Punctuality
Very early, early, on time, late, very late
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
4.2 Effort and difficulty
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Difficulty
Very easy, easy, moderate, difficult, very difficult, impossible
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Complexity
Simple, straightforward, involved, complicated, very complex
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Effort required
Effortless, light, moderate, strenuous, exhausting
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Skill required
No skill, basic, intermediate, advanced, expert
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
4.3 Progress and completion
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Progress
Not started, begun, underway, nearly done, complete
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Completeness
Incomplete, partial, mostly done, complete, perfect
Positive gradient
GP3LP
Success of outcome
Failure, poor, acceptable, good, excellent
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
4.4 Care and quality
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Carefulness
Careless, hasty, moderate, careful, very careful
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
Accuracy
Very inaccurate, approximate, mostly correct, accurate, exact
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Neatness
Messy, untidy, acceptable, tidy, very neat
Positive gradient
Diagonal
4.5 Frequency and habit
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Frequency
Never, rarely, sometimes, often, always
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Regularity
Erratic, irregular, occasional, regular, habitual
Positive gradient
Diagonal
5. RELATIONAL
Concepts describing the nature of connections between people.
5.1 Social closeness
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Familiarity
Complete stranger, vaguely familiar, acquaintance, friend, close friend, intimate
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Intimacy
Formal, polite, friendly, warm, very close
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Frequency of contact
Never, rarely, occasionally, regularly, constantly
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Dependence
Fully independent, somewhat dependent, reliant, very dependent
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
5.2 Power and hierarchy
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Social status
Subordinate, junior, equal, senior, superior
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Authority
No authority, limited, moderate, significant, full authority
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Formality of relationship
Very informal, informal, neutral, formal, very formal
Positive gradient
Diagonal
5.3 Trust and agreement
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Trust
Complete distrust, suspicious, neutral, trusting, complete trust
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Agreement
Strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, strongly agree
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Reliability
Unreliable, inconsistent, mostly reliable, reliable, completely dependable
Positive gradient
GP3LP
5.4 Conflict and harmony
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Harmony
Open conflict, tense, uneasy, civil, harmonious, very harmonious
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Conflict level
Peaceful, minor tension, disagreement, argument, serious conflict
Positive gradient
GP3LN
Cooperation
Obstructive, uncooperative, neutral, cooperative, fully collaborative
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
5.5 Comparison between people (from Comparatives)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Comparison of people
Younger than, the same age as, older than, the oldest of all
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal / GT5L
Social comparison
Less experienced, equally experienced, more experienced, the most experienced
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Comparative status
Lower status, equal status, higher status, the highest status
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Similarity between people
Completely different, somewhat similar, equally matched, very similar, identical
Positive gradient
Diagonal
6. IMPRESSION
Concepts describing how something appears or seems to someone — subjective perception of external things and people.
6.1 Perceived qualities of things
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Perceived difficulty
Seems effortless, easy, manageable, hard, impossible
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Perceived quality
Seems very poor, poor, acceptable, good, excellent
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Perceived value
Seems worthless, cheap, fair, good value, invaluable
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Perceived importance
Seems trivial, minor, moderate, important, critical
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Perceived urgency
Seems unimportant, low priority, moderate, urgent, critical
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Perceived size
Seems tiny, small, moderate, large, enormous
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Perceived age
Seems brand new, recent, middle-aged, old, ancient
Positive gradient
Diagonal
6.2 Perceived qualities of people
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Perceived friendliness
Seems hostile, unfriendly, neutral, friendly, very warm
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Perceived trustworthiness
Seems untrustworthy, unreliable, neutral, trustworthy, completely reliable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Perceived competence
Seems incompetent, weak, adequate, capable, highly competent
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Perceived intelligence
Seems slow, below average, average, sharp, very intelligent
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Perceived attractiveness
Seems very unattractive, plain, ordinary, attractive, very attractive
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
First impression
Very negative, negative, neutral, positive, very positive
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
7. EMOTIONAL
Concepts describing felt states — their direction, intensity, and movement over time.
7.1 Valence spectra (negative ↔ positive)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Happiness
Very unhappy, sad, neutral, happy, very happy, joyful
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Contentment
Miserable, discontented, neutral, content, very content
Positive gradient
GP3LP
Love / affection
Hatred, dislike, indifferent, like, love, deep love
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Pride
Deep shame, ashamed, neutral, proud, very proud
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Gratitude
Resentful, ungrateful, neutral, grateful, deeply grateful
Positive gradient
Diagonal
7.2 Arousal spectra (calm ↔ intense)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Excitement
Bored, unstimulated, neutral, interested, excited, exhilarated
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Anxiety
Calm, slightly uneasy, anxious, very anxious, panicked
Positive gradient
GP3LN
Anger
Calm, mildly irritated, annoyed, angry, furious
Positive gradient
GP3LN
Fear
Fearless, slightly nervous, afraid, very afraid, terrified
Positive gradient
GP3LN
Surprise
Fully expected, anticipated, mildly surprising, very surprising, completely unexpected
Inverted gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
7.3 Social and relational emotions
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Loneliness
Deeply lonely, isolated, neutral, connected, fully belonging
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Embarrassment
Not at all, slightly self-conscious, embarrassed, deeply embarrassed
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Jealousy
Not at all, slightly envious, jealous, very jealous, consumed by jealousy
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LN
7.4 Emotional intensity and duration
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Emotional intensity
Barely felt, mild, moderate, strong, overwhelming
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Emotional duration
Fleeting, brief, lasting, prolonged, permanent
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Emotional recovery
Devastated, slowly improving, recovering, recovered, thriving
Positive gradient
GP3LP
Mood cycle
Low, improving, stable, declining, low again
Cycle
Seasons / Cyclical
8. MENTAL
Concepts describing cognitive states and processes — knowledge, understanding, belief, expectation, evaluation, and decision.
8.1 Knowledge and understanding
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Knowledge level
Completely ignorant, vaguely aware, informed, knowledgeable, expert
Positive gradient
GT5L / GP3LP
Understanding
Completely confused, partly confused, partially understand, understand, fully understand
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Memory
Completely forgotten, vague memory, partial memory, remember clearly, remember perfectly
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Learning progress
Not started, aware, practising, competent, mastered
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
8.2 Attention and concentration
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Attention
Completely distracted, unfocused, partly attentive, focused, fully absorbed
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Mental effort
Effortless, light, moderate, demanding, exhausting
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Alertness
Asleep, drowsy, awake, alert, fully alert
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
8.3 Belief and certainty
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Certainty
Completely uncertain, doubtful, unsure, fairly certain, absolutely certain
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Belief
Completely disbelieve, doubt, uncertain, believe, completely believe
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Expectation
Totally unexpected, unlikely, possible, probable, certain to happen
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Surprise at outcome
Exactly as expected, mostly expected, somewhat surprising, very surprising, completely unexpected
Inverted gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
8.4 Evaluation and judgement
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Overall evaluation
Very negative, negative, neutral, positive, very positive
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Preference
Strongly dislike, dislike, neutral, like, strongly like
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Approval
Strongly disapprove, disapprove, neutral, approve, strongly approve
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Aesthetic judgement
Ugly, unattractive, ordinary, attractive, beautiful
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
8.5 Decision and intention
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Decisiveness
Completely undecided, leaning, somewhat decided, decided, firmly decided
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Intention
No intention, considering, planning, intending, committed
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Willingness
Completely unwilling, reluctant, neutral, willing, eager
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
9. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Measurable or observable attributes of objects and substances.
9.1 Dimension
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Length
Very short, short, medium, long, very long
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Width
Very narrow, narrow, medium, wide, very wide
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Height
Very low, low, medium, high, very tall
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Depth
Very shallow, shallow, moderate, deep, very deep
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Size (overall)
Tiny, small, medium, large, enormous
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Weight
Very light, light, moderate, heavy, very heavy
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Volume / capacity
Empty, mostly empty, half full, mostly full, full
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
9.2 Surface and texture
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Roughness
Very smooth, smooth, slightly rough, rough, very rough
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Hardness
Very soft, soft, firm, hard, very hard
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Sharpness
Very blunt, blunt, moderate, sharp, very sharp
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Flexibility
Completely rigid, stiff, moderate, flexible, very flexible
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Stickiness
Not sticky, slightly sticky, sticky, very sticky, completely adhesive
Positive gradient
Diagonal
9.3 Optical properties
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Transparency
Completely opaque, mostly opaque, translucent, mostly clear, completely transparent
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Brightness / luminosity
Completely dark, dim, moderate, bright, dazzling
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Colour saturation
Colourless, pale, muted, vivid, intensely saturated
Positive gradient
Diagonal
9.4 Structural and material properties
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Strength
Very fragile, fragile, moderate, strong, very strong
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Density
Very sparse, sparse, moderate, dense, very dense
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Age / condition
Brand new, slightly used, worn, old, very old / deteriorated
Negative gradient
GP3LN
Fullness
Completely empty, mostly empty, half full, mostly full, completely full
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
9.5 Thermal and energetic properties
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Temperature
Freezing, cold, cool, warm, hot, very hot, burning
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Speed of movement
Completely still, barely moving, slow, moderate, fast, very fast
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Energy level
Inert, low energy, moderate, high energy, very high energy
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
10. BODILY / PHYSIOLOGICAL
Internal states of the body as experienced from within — distinct from Sensory (external perception) and Physical Properties (object attributes).
10.1 Hunger and thirst
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Hunger
Not hungry, slightly hungry, hungry, very hungry, starving
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Thirst
Not thirsty, slightly thirsty, thirsty, very thirsty, parched
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Satiety
Starving, hungry, satisfied, full, overfull
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Appetite
No appetite, poor appetite, moderate, good appetite, ravenous
Positive gradient
Diagonal
10.2 Energy and fatigue
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Physical energy
Completely exhausted, low energy, moderate, energetic, very energetic
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Fatigue
Fully rested, slightly tired, tired, very tired, exhausted
Negative gradient
GP3LN
Sleepiness
Wide awake, slightly drowsy, drowsy, very sleepy, barely conscious
Negative gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Physical arousal
Completely inert, low, moderate, active, highly activated
Positive gradient
Diagonal
10.3 Comfort and pain
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Physical comfort
Very uncomfortable, uncomfortable, neutral, comfortable, very comfortable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Pain level
No pain, mild discomfort, moderate pain, severe pain, unbearable pain
Positive gradient
GP3LN / GT5L
Nausea
None, slight, moderate, nauseous, severely nauseous
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Tension / tightness
Completely relaxed, slightly tense, tense, very tense, rigid
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
10.4 Temperature and internal sensation
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Felt body temperature
Very cold, cold, cool, normal, warm, hot, feverish
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Breathlessness
Breathing easily, slightly breathless, breathless, very breathless, gasping
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Intoxication
Completely sober, slightly affected, moderately affected, drunk, severely intoxicated
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
10.5 Physical capacity
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Physical strength (felt)
Very weak, weak, moderate, strong, very strong
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Coordination
Very uncoordinated, clumsy, moderate, coordinated, very coordinated
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Mobility
Immobile, severely restricted, moderately restricted, slightly restricted, fully mobile
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
10.6 Lifecycle states
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Life stage
Infant, child, adolescent, adult, middle-aged, elderly
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Pregnancy stages
Not pregnant, early pregnancy, mid-pregnancy, late pregnancy, post-partum
Named sequence
GT5L / Horizontal
11. HEALTH / MEDICAL
States and trajectories of illness, wellness, and recovery.
11.1 Wellness and illness
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Overall wellness
Very ill, ill, unwell, slightly unwell, healthy, very healthy
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Severity of illness
Mild, moderate, severe, critical, life-threatening
Positive gradient
GP3LN / GT5L
Symptom severity
No symptoms, mild, moderate, severe, very severe
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Fever level
No fever, mild fever, moderate fever, high fever, very high fever
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Medical urgency
No urgency, monitor, needs attention, urgent, emergency
Positive gradient
GP3LN / GT5L
11.2 Recovery and treatment
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Recovery trajectory
Newly ill, early recovery, improving, mostly recovered, fully recovered
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Treatment response
No response, slight improvement, moderate improvement, good response, full recovery
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Medication dosage
Underdosed, low, therapeutic, high, overdosed
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
Side effect severity
None, mild, moderate, severe, unbearable
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
11.3 Mental health
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Mental health level
Very poor, poor, moderate, good, very good
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Stress level
No stress, mild, moderate, high, overwhelming
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Mood stability
Highly volatile, unstable, moderate, mostly stable, very stable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
11.4 Medical procedures (discrete named categories)
Category cluster
Examples
Template family
Diagnosis
Examination, testing, scanning, blood test, diagnosis
Horizontal / IT5L
Treatment
Medication, surgery, physiotherapy, counselling, vaccination
Horizontal / IT5L
Care setting
Home care, GP clinic, outpatient, hospital ward, intensive care
GT5L / Diagonal
12. NATURAL / ENVIRONMENTAL
Weather, climate, landscape, and natural phenomena — distinct from Geographic (human-inhabited places).
12.1 Weather conditions
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Wind speed
Calm, light breeze, moderate wind, strong wind, gale, storm
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Rainfall intensity
None, drizzle, light rain, moderate rain, heavy rain, torrential
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Ambient temperature
Freezing, very cold, cold, cool, mild, warm, hot, very hot, extreme heat
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Cloud cover
Clear sky, few clouds, partly cloudy, mostly cloudy, overcast, storm clouds
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Humidity
Very dry, dry, moderate, humid, very humid, oppressive
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Visibility
Zero visibility, poor, moderate, good, excellent
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Natural light level
Total darkness, dim, low light, moderate, bright, dazzling
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
12.2 Sea and water conditions
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Sea state
Calm, slight swell, moderate swell, rough, very rough, storm
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Water temperature
Freezing, very cold, cold, cool, warm, hot
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Flood level
Dry, damp, waterlogged, flooded, severely flooded
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Tidal state
Low tide, rising, mid tide, high tide, falling
Cycle
TidalD / TidalM
12.3 Landscape and terrain
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Terrain gradient
Flat, gently sloping, hilly, steep, mountainous
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Altitude
Sea level, low, moderate, high, very high, extreme altitude
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Vegetation density
Barren, sparse, scattered, moderate, dense, very dense
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Water body depth
Dry, shallow, moderate, deep, very deep
Positive gradient
Diagonal
12.4 Environmental quality
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Air quality
Very polluted, polluted, moderate, clean, very clean
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Water quality
Severely polluted, polluted, moderate, clean, pristine
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Environmental degradation
Pristine, slightly degraded, moderately degraded, severely degraded, destroyed
Negative gradient
GP3LN
Noise pollution
Silent, quiet, moderate, noisy, very noisy
Positive gradient
Diagonal
12.5 Natural events
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Storm intensity
Calm, developing, moderate, severe, catastrophic
Positive gradient
GP3LN / GT5L
Natural disaster severity
No event, minor, moderate, severe, catastrophic
Positive gradient
GP3LN / GT5L
Drought severity
Normal, dry, drought, severe drought, extreme drought
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
13. SPATIAL / DIRECTIONAL
Abstract spatial relationships and orientation — distinct from Geographic (named places) and Physical Properties (object dimensions).
13.1 Vertical position
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Height position
Underground, at ground level, low, medium, high, very high
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Above / below
Far below, below, level, above, far above
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Depth position
At the surface, shallow, moderate, deep, very deep
Positive gradient
Diagonal
13.2 Horizontal position and direction
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Left / right
Far left, left, centre, right, far right
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
In front / behind
Far in front, in front, level, behind, far behind
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Compass direction
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
Cycle
Compass / Steering
Orientation to reference
Facing away, side on, partially facing, facing toward
Named sequence
Horizontal
13.3 Proximity and containment
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Physical proximity
Touching, very close, close, nearby, far, very far, out of sight
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Inside / outside
Deeply inside, inside, at the threshold, just outside, far outside
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Surrounding / enclosed
Wide open, open, partially enclosed, mostly enclosed, completely enclosed
Positive gradient
Diagonal
13.4 Sequence and order
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Positional order
First, second, third, fourth, fifth
Named sequence
Horizontal / GT5L
Progress along a path
Start, early stage, midway, late stage, destination
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Relative position in queue
At the front, near front, middle, near back, at the back
Positive gradient
Diagonal
14. SOCIAL / CULTURAL
Shared customs, norms, ceremonies, and social obligations — distinct from Relational (interpersonal dynamics between individuals).
14.1 Formality of occasion
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Occasion formality
Very informal, informal, neutral, formal, very formal (state ceremony)
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Dress code
Casual, smart-casual, business, formal, black tie
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Celebratory significance
Everyday, minor occasion, moderate, major event, grand ceremony
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
14.2 Tradition and custom
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Degree of tradition
Completely modern, mostly modern, mixed, mostly traditional, completely traditional
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Social obligation
No obligation, slight expectation, moderate, strong, mandatory
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Social taboo
Widely accepted, slightly sensitive, sensitive, taboo, absolute taboo
Positive gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Adherence to custom
Completely ignores, often ignores, sometimes follows, usually follows, strictly adheres
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
14.3 Cultural familiarity
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Cultural distance
Same culture, similar, different, very different, completely unfamiliar
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Cultural familiarity
Unknown practice, heard of, vaguely understood, understood, fully participating
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Religious / ceremonial significance
Secular, slight significance, moderately significant, highly significant, sacred
Positive gradient
Diagonal
14.4 Social conformity
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Conformity
Completely non-conformist, unconventional, moderate, conventional, strictly conformist
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Social acceptance
Completely rejected, marginalised, tolerated, accepted, fully included
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Gift-giving obligation
No expectation, slight, moderate, strong, mandatory
Positive gradient
Diagonal
14.5 Cyclical social events
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Annual celebrations
New Year, national holidays, religious festivals, harvest festivals
Cycle
MOY / Seasons
Weekly social rhythms
Weekday routines, weekend customs, market days, day of worship
Cycle
DOW
15. ECONOMIC / FINANCIAL
Cost, value, wealth, and financial transactions — not covered in any other category.
15.1 Cost and price
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Price level
Free, very cheap, cheap, moderate, expensive, very expensive
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Affordability
Completely unaffordable, very expensive, manageable, affordable, very affordable, free
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Value for money
Terrible value, poor value, fair, good value, excellent value
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
Price change
Dramatically falling, falling, stable, rising, dramatically rising
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
15.2 Wealth and financial security
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Wealth level
Destitute, very poor, poor, working class, middle class, wealthy, very wealthy
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Financial security
Desperate, struggling, just managing, secure, very secure
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Debt level
Deeply in debt, in debt, breaking even, saving, financially comfortable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Spending tendency
Extremely frugal, frugal, moderate, generous, extravagant
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
15.3 Economic conditions
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Economic growth
Severe recession, recession, stagnant, slow growth, strong growth
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Market supply
Severe shortage, shortage, adequate, surplus, massive surplus
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Business success
Failing, struggling, breaking even, profitable, very profitable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
15.4 Financial transactions (discrete named categories)
Category cluster
Examples
Template family
Transaction types
Buying, selling, lending, borrowing, investing, donating, saving
Horizontal / IT5L
Payment methods
Cash, card, bank transfer, credit, barter
Horizontal / IT5L
Employment status
Unemployed, part-time, full-time, multiple jobs
Horizontal / GT5L
16. MORAL / ETHICAL
Right and wrong, fairness, honesty, and virtue — fundamental to human experience and present in everyday language.
16.1 Core virtues (bipolar spectra)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Honesty
Completely dishonest, dishonest, neutral, honest, completely honest
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Kindness
Cruel, unkind, neutral, kind, very kind
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Fairness
Very unfair, unfair, neutral, fair, very fair
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Generosity
Very selfish, selfish, neutral, generous, very generous
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Compassion
No compassion, little, moderate, compassionate, very compassionate
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Respect
Deeply disrespectful, disrespectful, neutral, respectful, very respectful
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Trustworthiness
Completely untrustworthy, unreliable, neutral, trustworthy, completely dependable
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
16.2 Responsibility and courage
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Responsibility
Completely irresponsible, irresponsible, neutral, responsible, very responsible
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Moral courage
Avoids all moral challenge, avoids mostly, sometimes stands up, often, always stands up
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Bravery
Cowardly, timid, moderate, brave, very brave, heroic
Positive gradient
GP3LP / GT5L
Integrity
No integrity, low, moderate, high, complete integrity
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
16.3 Social ethics
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Environmental responsibility
Very harmful, harmful, neutral, responsible, very responsible
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Social justice
Deeply unjust, unjust, neutral, just, very just
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Inclusiveness
Exclusionary, unwelcoming, neutral, inclusive, very inclusive
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Civic responsibility
No engagement, minimal, moderate, active, fully engaged
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
17. AESTHETIC / ARTISTIC
Beauty, style, creative expression, and artistic quality — distinct from Impression (subjective perception of anything) and Sensory (raw perceptual experience).
17.1 Beauty and appeal
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Visual beauty
Very ugly, ugly, plain, attractive, beautiful, stunning
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Elegance
Graceless, awkward, moderate, elegant, very elegant
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Aesthetic appeal
Deeply unappealing, unappealing, neutral, appealing, very appealing
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Colour harmony
Clashing, discordant, neutral, harmonious, perfectly balanced
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
17.2 Artistic quality
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Technical skill
No skill, beginner, intermediate, skilled, masterful
Positive gradient
GT5L / GP3LP
Originality
Completely derivative, mostly derivative, moderate, original, highly original
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Emotional impact
No impact, mild, moderate, strong, overwhelming
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Complexity of design
Very simple, simple, moderate, complex, very complex
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Balance / harmony
Completely unbalanced, unbalanced, moderate, balanced, perfectly harmonious
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
17.3 Music-specific
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Tempo
Very slow, slow, moderate, fast, very fast
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Musical volume
Silent, quiet, moderate, loud, very loud
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Rhythmic regularity
Completely irregular, irregular, moderate, regular, very regular
Positive gradient
Diagonal
17.4 Artistic styles (discrete named categories)
Category cluster
Examples
Template family
Visual art styles
Realism, impressionism, abstract, expressionism, minimalism
Horizontal / IT5L
Musical genres
Classical, folk, jazz, pop, traditional
Horizontal / IT5L
Literary forms
Poetry, narrative, dialogue, essay, song
Horizontal / IT5L
18. QUANTITATIVE
Abstract number, amount, proportion, degree, sufficiency, and probability — distinct from Physical Properties (measured dimensions of objects).
18.1 Amount and quantity
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
General quantity
None, a little, some, a moderate amount, a lot, very much, all
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Counting scale
Zero, one, a few, several, many, very many, countless
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Proportion
None, a small fraction, a quarter, half, most, all
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Percentage
0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
18.2 Sufficiency (Collocation Mode recommended)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Sufficiency scale
Far too little, too little, just enough, more than enough, far too much
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
Adequacy
Completely inadequate, inadequate, borderline, adequate, more than adequate
Bell curve
GPCVP / Diagonal
Need vs. availability
Great deficit, deficit, balanced, surplus, great surplus
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Collocation Mode frames: not [adjective] enough · [adjective] enough · too [adjective] · far too [adjective] not enough [noun] · too much [noun] · too many [noun]
18.3 Scale and ranking
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Order of magnitude
Unit, ten, hundred, thousand, million, billion
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Ranking
Last, near last, middle, near top, first
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Measurement precision
Very approximate, approximate, moderate, precise, exact
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
18.4 Adverbs of degree (Collocation Mode recommended)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Simple degree scale
Not at all, barely, slightly, somewhat, quite, very, extremely
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Full scale including excess
Not at all, slightly, quite, very, extremely, too, far too
Bell curve (excess past peak)
GPCVP / GTCV
Diminishing degree
Extremely, very, quite, somewhat, slightly, barely, not at all
Negative gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Collocation Mode frames: [adverb] + [adjective] (very hot, slightly cold) [adverb] + [adverb] (quite quickly, extremely slowly)
18.5 Comparatives and superlatives (Collocation Mode recommended)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Full comparative-superlative scale
The least / worst, less / worse, as … as (equal), more / better, the most / best
Bipolar spectrum around centre
GT5L / Diagonal
Comparative degree
Much less, slightly less, equal, slightly more, much more
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Superlative ranking
The last / least, near last, middle, near top, the first / most
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Equality expressions
Not as … as, almost as … as, just as … as, exactly as … as
Gradient toward equality
Diagonal
Degree of difference
Identical, very similar, slightly different, quite different, completely different
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Collocation Mode frames: [adjective]-er / more [adjective] + than the + [adjective]-est / most [adjective] + of / in as + [adjective] + as much / a little / far + [comparative]
18.6 Probability
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Likelihood
Impossible, very unlikely, unlikely, possible, likely, very likely, certain
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Statistical frequency
Never (0%), rarely (<10%), sometimes (~50%), often (>75%), always (100%)
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Risk level
No risk, very low, low, moderate, high, very high, certain
Positive gradient
GP3LN / GT5L
Note: Probability appears in three locations in the taxonomy for distinct reasons: here (§18.6) as abstract logical likelihood; in Mental (§8.3) as felt certainty; and in Linguistic / Communicative (§19.2) as expressed certainty in language.
19. LINGUISTIC / COMMUNICATIVE
Language itself as a conceptual domain — unique to a language learning suite. Covers how language is used, how well it is used, what it is doing, and how it is received.
19.1 Register and formality
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Formality of language
Very informal (slang), informal, neutral, formal, very formal (ceremonial)
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Politeness level
Rude, impolite, neutral, polite, very polite, deferential
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Directness
Very indirect (heavily implied), indirect, neutral, direct, very direct (blunt)
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Appropriateness for context
Very inappropriate, inappropriate, borderline, appropriate, very appropriate
Bell curve
GPCVP / GTCV
Emotional warmth of tone
Cold / hostile, cool, neutral, warm, very warm / enthusiastic
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Humour / levity
Completely serious, slightly playful, humorous, very funny, hilarious
Positive gradient
Diagonal
19.2 Clarity and comprehensibility
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Clarity of expression
Completely incomprehensible, confusing, partially clear, clear, perfectly clear
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Specificity
Very vague, vague, moderate, specific, very specific
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Vocabulary complexity
Very simple, simple, moderate, complex, very complex
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Grammatical complexity
Very simple, simple, moderate, complex, very complex
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Persuasiveness
Not at all, slightly, moderately, very, extremely persuasive
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Certainty expressed
Possibly, perhaps, I think, I believe, I'm sure, I'm certain
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
Hedging level
Stated as definite fact, mostly certain, hedged, very hedged, completely non-committal
Positive gradient
Diagonal
19.3 Speech characteristics
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Volume of speech
Whispered, quiet, moderate, loud, shouted
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Speed of speech
Very slow, slow, moderate, fast, very fast
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Quantity spoken
Silent, minimal, brief, moderate, extensive, very lengthy
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Pitch of voice
Very low, low, moderate, high, very high
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Clarity of pronunciation
Very unclear, mumbled, partially clear, clear, very clear
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Fluency
Very halting, hesitant, moderate, fluent, very fluent
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
19.4 Proficiency and accuracy
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Language proficiency
Beginner, elementary, intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced, native-like
Positive gradient
GT5L / GP3LP
Grammatical accuracy
Very inaccurate, inaccurate, mostly correct, accurate, perfectly accurate
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Vocabulary range
Very limited, limited, moderate, wide, very wide
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Comprehension level
Nothing understood, a little, partly, mostly, fully understood
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Reading proficiency
Cannot read, recognises some words, reads slowly, reads well, reads fluently
Positive gradient
GT5L / GP3LP
Writing proficiency
Cannot write, writes with great difficulty, writes simply, writes well, writes fluently
Positive gradient
GT5L / GP3LP
19.5 Conversational dynamics
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Turn-taking
Constantly interrupts, often interrupts, balanced, yields readily, very deferential
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Listening quality
Not listening, half-listening, listening, listening carefully, fully attentive
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Conversational initiative
Completely passive, rarely initiates, sometimes, often, always leads
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Response speed
Very slow to respond, slow, moderate, quick, very quick
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Conversation arc
Greeting, small talk, main topic, wrap-up, farewell
Named sequence
GT5L / Horizontal
Frequency of communication
Never, rarely, occasionally, regularly, constantly
Positive gradient
Diagonal
19.6 Honesty and truthfulness in language
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Truthfulness
Complete lie, misleading, half-truth, mostly true, completely honest
Positive gradient
GP3LP / Diagonal
Sincerity
Completely insincere, superficial, neutral, sincere, deeply sincere
Positive gradient
Diagonal
Transparency
Deliberately evasive, vague, neutral, open, completely transparent
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GP3LP
19.7 Adverbs of degree (Collocation Mode recommended)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Simple degree scale
Not at all, barely, slightly, somewhat, quite, very, extremely
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Full scale including excess
Not at all, slightly, quite, very, extremely, too, far too
Bell curve (excess past peak)
GPCVP / GTCV
Diminishing degree
Extremely, very, quite, somewhat, slightly, barely, not at all
Negative gradient
GP3LN / Diagonal
Collocation Mode frames: [adverb] + [adjective] (very hot, slightly cold) not + [adjective] + enough (not warm enough) too + [adjective] (too hot)
19.8 Comparatives and superlatives (Collocation Mode recommended)
Sub-category
Concept examples
Shape
Template family
Full comparative-superlative scale
The least / worst, less / worse, as … as (equal), more / better, the most / best
Bipolar spectrum around centre
GT5L / Diagonal
Comparative degree
Much less, slightly less, equal, slightly more, much more
Spectrum around centre
Diagonal
Superlative ranking
The last / least, near last, middle, near top, the first / most
Positive gradient
GT5L / Diagonal
Equality expressions
Not as … as, almost as … as, just as … as, exactly as … as
Gradient toward equality
Diagonal
Degree of difference
Identical, very similar, slightly different, quite different, completely different
Positive gradient
Diagonal / GT5L
Collocation Mode frames: [adjective]-er / more [adjective] + than the + [adjective]-est / most [adjective] + of / in as + [adjective] + as
19.9 Speech acts (discrete named categories)
Category cluster
Examples
Template family
Opening / closing
Greeting, farewell, introducing oneself
Horizontal / IT5L
Expressing attitude
Agreeing, disagreeing, approving, objecting
Horizontal / IT5L
Social obligations
Thanking, apologising, complimenting, congratulating
Horizontal / IT5L
Requesting
Asking, requesting, inviting, instructing, commanding
Horizontal / IT5L
Responding to requests
Accepting, refusing, offering, promising
Horizontal / IT5L
Information exchange
Asking questions, answering, clarifying, confirming
Horizontal / IT5L
Managing conversation
Interrupting, yielding, changing topic, summarising
Horizontal / IT5L
Expressing evaluation
Complaining, praising, criticising, warning
Horizontal / IT5L
APPENDIX A — Interaction Modes
Mode
Primary vocabulary
Description
States Mode
Nouns, adjectives, adverbs
Draggable frame reveals static vocabulary items at spatial points on the template
Transitions Mode
Verbs
Sliding text along a path shows vocabulary in action and motion
Collocation Mode (proposed)
Grammatical patterns
Vocabulary items displayed with grammatical partners, revealing collocation structure
Collocation Mode is recommended for: Adverbs of Degree (§18.4, §19.7) · Sufficiency (§18.2) · Comparatives and Superlatives (§18.5, §19.8)
APPENDIX B — Shape Reference
Shape
Description
Typical template
Positive gradient
Increases from low to high
Diagonal / GP3LP / GT5L
Negative gradient
Decreases; something deteriorates
GP3LN / Diagonal
Bell curve
Rises to a peak then falls; extremes undesirable
GPCVP / GTCV
Inverted bell curve
Falls to a trough then rises; middle undesirable
GPCVN / GTCVI
Spectrum around centre
Bipolar; meaningful neutral midpoint; extremes in both directions
Diagonal
Named sequence
Discrete categories; no inherent gradient
Horizontal / Vertical / IT5L
Cycle
Repeating pattern with no fixed start or end
All cyclical templates
APPENDIX C — Template Family Quick Reference
Template
Best suited for
Horizontal / Vertical Line
Named categories with no gradient
Diagonal Line
Spectra, bipolar scales, simple gradients, sequences
GT5L / GT5LI
Five-level progressions; proficiency scales
GP3LP
Three-stage permanent positive gradients
GP3LN
Three-stage permanent negative gradients (deterioration)
GPCVP / GTCV
Bell curve; optimal midpoint; excess at both ends
GPCVN / GTCVI
Inverted bell curve; undesirable midpoint
IT5L / IT5LI
Instant reveal; named category sets
IP3LP / IP3LN
Instant permanent three-stage
Clock / TTT / POD
Time of day
DOW
Days of the week
MOY
Months of the year
Seasons
Seasonal cycles
Lunar / TidalD / TidalM
Natural cycles
Rice
Agricultural / growing cycles
Compass / Steering
Directional vocabulary