The Relative Superlative

The relative superlative (il superlativo relative) is a simple grammatical concept in both English and Italian. In English, the relative superlative is expressed by using the most or the least with an adjective or noun or by attaching -est to an adjective. For example, He is the cutest guy here or It was the most fun I’ve ever had.

In Italian, il superlativo relative is formed using the following formula:

definite article (il, la, i, le) + (noun) + più/meno + adjective + di + the comparative term(s)

One thing to note about using this formula is that the noun can move around a bit, or not be used at all. Take a look at the following examples:

È il pane più buono del mondo. It’s the best bread in the world. È il più buon pane del mondo. It’s the best bread in the world. È il più buono del mondo. It’s the best in the world. È il più buono. It’s the best.

Four important things to note in the above examples:

1. Più or meno are inseparable from the adjective, regardless of where they are in the sentence.
2. If you omit the noun (done in cases where the object or person of reference has been previously established), the article still must be used.
3. Whereas in English we use the preposition in or of + article, in Italian we use the preposition di + article.
4. In the final example, neither the noun nor the comparative terms are used. This usage is acceptable if the subject has been already established.

Pensi che l’estate sia la stagione più bella dell’anno? Do you think the summer is the most beautiful season of the year? Tu sei stato il meno timido di tutti! You were the least shy of everyone! Chi era il presidente più bravo secondo te? Who was the most capable president in your opinion? Il pollo è la carne meno costosa qui. Chicken is the least expensive meat here.