Superlative Degree
The superlative degree of an adjective indicates that the noun described has the most of the adjectival quality of anyone that possesses that quality. So, we can usually translate it as the “-est” or “most” form of the adjective. Occasionally, we can translate the superlative as “very [adjective].”
To form the superlative degree of an adjective, add the endings -issimus, -issima, -issimum to the stem and decline it as a regular 2-1-2 adjective:
- longus, -a, -um, “long” > longior, longius, “longer” > longissimus, -a, -um, “longest”
- sapiēns, sapientis, “wise” > sapientior, sapientius, “wiser” > sapientissimus, -a, -um, “wisest”
- fortis, -e, “brave, strong” > fortior, fortius, “braver, stronger” > fortissimus, -a, -um, “bravest, strongest”
Again, like any other adjective, a superlative adjective must agree with its noun in gender, case, and number:
- hostēs ā fortissimīs mīlitibus victī sunt. The enemies were defeated by the bravest soldiers.
- dīxit illās sapientissimās esse. He said that those women were the wisest.
- iter longissimum erat. The journey was very long.
Superlative with quam
We can also use quam with a superlative to indicate “as [adjective] as possible”:
- hic vir quam sapientissimus est. This man is as wise as possible.
- dīxit hostem quam ferocissimum esse. He said that the enemy was as fierce as possible.