VF: Lesson - Comparison - Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

Comparative and Superlative Adverbs

Adverbs are the only other part of speech which are able to use the comparative and superlative degree, along with the positive degree. Unlike adjectives, adverbs will be used to compare what is happening with a verb instead of comparing two nouns:

  • He walked more quickly.

Positive Degree Review

The positive degree for adverbs is formed from the adjective base, but is done differently depending on the declension of the original adjective.

  • 1st/2nd Declension adjectives: add -e to base (pulchr + e = pulchre = beautifully)
  • 3rd Declension adjectives: add -iter to base (celer + iter = celeriter = quickly)

Comparative Degree for Adverbs

To form the comparative degree for adverbs, add -ius to the positive degree adjective base. The comparative adverb is identical to the neuter nominative singular form of the comparative adjective. This formation works for all adverbs, whether the adverb was formed from a 1st/2nd declension adjective or a 3rd declension adjective.

  • altus, alta, altum - high
    • base: alt-
    • Add -ius
    • Comparative Adverb: altius - more highly

Additional Examples

  • fortius - more strongly
  • audacius - more boldly

Using Comparative Adverbs

Comparative adverbs are used in a similar manner to their adjective counterparts, but instead of modifying nouns, they modify verbs.

  • Marcus celerius cucurrit.
  • Marcus ran more quickly.

Superlative Degree for Adverbs

To form the superlative degree for adverbs, add -e to the superlative base. This will be true no matter whether the adverb was formed from a 1st/2nd declension adjective or a 3rd declension adjective.

  • altissimus, altissima, altissimum - highest
    • base: altissim-
    • Superlative Adverb: altissime - most highly

Additional Examples:

  • fortissime - most strongly
  • audacissime - most boldly

Superlative Adverbs formed from Irregular Superlatives

Both -er and -lis superlatives will form their superlative adverb in the same manner as above, by adding -e to the superlative base.

  • liberrimus, liberrima, liberrimum - most free
    • base: liberrim-
    • Superlative Adverb: liberrime - most freely
  • facillimus, facillima, facillimum - easiest
    • base: facillim-
    • Superlative Adverb: facillime - most easily

Using Superlative Adverbs

Superlative adverbs are used in a similar manner to their adjective counterparts, but instead of modifying nouns, they modify verbs.

  • Marcus celerrime cucurrit.
  • Marcus ran most quickly.

With the superlative, quam can be used to say as _____ as possible:

  • Marcus quam celerrime cucurrit.
  • Marcus ran as quickly as possible.