First Lessons in Maori
§ 24
§ 24.
By doubling the di-syllabic root, or sometimes only the first syllable of the root, of an adjective, the intensity of its signification is diminished, thus:
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Wera, hot.
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Werawera, somewhat hot, warm.
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Maroke, dry.
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Mārokeroke, somewhat dry.
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Pango, black.
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Papango, somewhat black, dark.
In the case of a few adjectives a plural is formed by doubling the first syllable of the root, thus:
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He rakau nui, a large tree.
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He rakau nunui, large trees.
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He tangata roa, a tall man.
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He tāngata roroa, tall men.
The simple form is, however, often used for the plural as well as the singular.