absolute superlative

English

Noun

absolute superlative (plural absolute superlatives)

  1. In Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan: the form of an adjective formed by adding the suffixes -issimo, -ísimo, -íssimo, -érrimo, -imo, or -íssim to the adjective (with any final vowel dropped) to express a superlative that cannot be exceeded, having the sense “as ... as possible”.
  2. In Greek: one of the degrees of comparison in an adjective that stresses an exceptional property without making a direct comparison, its closest equivalent in English being a most important letter, a very high mountain or absolutely pure water. It is formed by adding the suffix -τατος (declined) to the adjective's nominative, neuter singular.
  3. In Romanian: The superlative absolute is formed with different adverbs preceding the actual adjective: foarte / tare / extrem de / cât se poate de + adjective. The most frequent and standard adverb is foarte (very). The other adverbs or adverbial constructions are emotionally marked. The adverb tare is used in the colloquial style.
    Am citit un articol foarte interesant. (I've read a very interesting article).
    Am citit o carte tare proastă. (I read a very bad book).
    Am văzut un film extrem de interesant. (I saw an extremely interesting movie).
    Părerea ei este cât se poate de importantă. (Her opinion is really important).

Translations

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