Absolute Superlatives: The Prefixes super- and ultra-

To create the absolute superlative, you can add prefixes to certain nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Following we will cover two commonly used prefixes and some widely used examples for each.

super-

The prefix super- should be familiar to English speakers. In Italian, it is used in a similar way as it is in English, giving an exaggerated effect to the modified word.

Superchic → super chic, very cool/hip

Se hai voglia di visitare una città superchic, ti consiglierei Tokyo. If you want to visit a super hip city, I would recommend Tokyo.

superleggero → extremely light, super light

Questo vestito è superleggero e perfetto per l’estate. This dress is super light and perfect for the summer.

superpulito → extremely clean, super clean

Non c'era un filo di polvere sui mobili. L'intero appartamento era ordinato e superpulito. There wasn't a speck of dust on the furniture. The whole apartment was tidy and super clean.

superattico → extremely luxurious penthouse, very upscale top-floor apartment

Sara e Daniele hanno comprato uno splendido superattico a Positano. Sara and Daniele bought a gorgeous penthouse in Positano.

supermercato → supermarket

Ormai in Italia spuntano supermercati ovunque. These days in Italy supermarkets are springing up everywhere.

superpotenza → superpower

L’India e la Cina sono le nuove superpotenze del mondo. India and China are the new superpowers in the world.

superstrada → highway, freeway

La più famosa superstrada italiana, l’A1, è chiamata l’Autostrada del Sole. The most famous Italian highway, the A1, is called the Autostrada del Sole.

ultra-

ultracentenario → over one hundred years old

Il bisnonno di Alice è ultracentenario. Alice's great grandfather is over one hundred years old.

ultracompatto → ultracompact

Che ne pensi di queste nuove macchine ultracompatte? What do you think about these new ultracompact cars?

ultramoderno → ultramodern

Se io avessi abbastanza soldi, comprerei una casa ultramoderna. If I had the money, I would buy an ultramodern house.

ultrarapido → high-speed

Una connessione Internet ultrarapida è compresa nel prezzo di locazione. A high-speed Internet connection is included in the rental price.

ultrasensibile → ultrasensitive

Questi animali hanno occhi ultrasensibili perché sono abituati a cacciare al buio. These animals have ultrasensitive eyes because they are used to hunting in the dark.

ultraterreno → of the afterlife, otherworldly

Giovanni crede nell’esistenza di una vita ultraterrena. Giovanni believes in the afterlife.