VF: Lesson - Comparison - Superlative Adjectives

Image: a figure jumps across a gap at sunset.

Superlative Adjectives

The superlative degree is used to express a single noun in comparison to all others. It has the highest degree, and so uses most or -est:

  • tallest
  • prettiest
  • most free
  • most serious
  • boldest (see image for a visual representation of this superlative adjective)

Forming the superlative degree

To form the superlative degree, most adjectives add -issim- to the positive adjective base. Superlative adjectives use 1st/2nd declension adjective endings, so add -us, -a, -um to -issim- to form the dictionary entry.

Superlative Adjective Formation

Positive Adjective

Adjective Base

Dictionary Entry - Superlative
add -issim + us/a/um to base

Comparative Translation

altus, alta, altum

alta - a = alt-

altissimus, altissima, altissimum

tallest, deepest

gravis, grave

gravis - is = grav-

gravissimus, gravissima, gravissimum

most serious, heaviest

audax (gen. audacis)

audacis - is = audac-

audacissimus, audacissima, audacissimum

boldest

Superlative Adjective Base

The superlative degree forms its dictionary entry as a normal 1st/2nd declension adjective. To obtain the base, remove the feminine ending (-a) from the middle form:

  • altissimus, altissima, altissimum
    • altissima - a
    • Superlative Base: altissim- 

Superlative Adjective Forms

Comparative adjectives use 1st/2nd declension adjective endings added to the comparative base. The superlative degree will always use 1st/2nd declension endings, even when the positive adjective belongs to the 3rd declension. 

  • Positive Adjective: altus, alta, altum
    • Superlative Adjective: altissimus, altissima, altissimum - highest, deepest
    • Superlative Base: altissima - a = altissim-
Declension of altissimus, altissima, altissimum
Masculine Feminine Neuter
Case Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural
Nominative altissimus altissimi altissima altissimae altissimum altissima
Genitive altissimi altissimorum altissimae altissimarum altissimi altissimorum
Dative altissimo altissimis altissimae altissimis altissimo altissimis
Accusative altissimum altissimos altissimam altissimas altissimum altissima
Ablative altissimo altissimis altissima altissimis altissimo altissimis
Vocative altissime altissimi altissima altissimae altissimum altissima