the late Bob Jones

[Vladv1]

I still remember the late Bob Jones, my first teacher.
Is the adjective "late: here qualitative or classifying? The example is mine.

 

[Skrej]

Qualitative adjectives are gradable. Classifying adjectives are permanent and absolute.

So which do you think?

 

[Vladv1]

Qualitative adjectives are gradable. Classifying adjectives are permanent and absolute.

So which do you think?

I think it is classifying.

 

[Skrej]

Yes. Once dead, always dead, and there are no degrees of deadness.