The Absolute Superlative: Some Irregular Forms

Some adjectives use irregular superlatives. In spoken language, people often avoid these forms by using molto, tanto, parecchio, or assai in place of a suffix added to the adjective. These forms are, however, good to know and important to keep in mind when reading and writing.

acre → acerrimo (only used figuratively) … bitter

L’acerrima battaglia durò più di tre anni senza un vero vincitore. The extremely bitter battle lasted more than three years without a true winner.

benefico → beneficentissimo … beneficent, philanthropic; healthy, helpful

Il nuovo programma di riciclaggio che stiamo lanciando sarà beneficentissimo per l'ambiente. The new recycling program we are launching will be extremely beneficial to the environment.

celebre → celeberrimo … famous, well-known

Oggi i figli delle celebrità sono celeberrimi anche loro. Today the children of celebrities are really famous themselves.

integro → integerrimo (only used figuratively) … honest, incorruptible, righteous

Luca è un magistrato integerrimo. Luca is an incorruptible judge.

magnifico → magnificentissimo … magnificent, extraordinary

Tempio magnificentissimo, il Partenone era dedicato alla dea Atena. A truly magnificent temple, the Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena.

misero → miserrimo … miserable, wretched, meager

Durante la guerra i soldati ricevevano razioni di cibo miserrime. During the war, soldiers received terribly meager food rations.

salubre → saluberrimo … hearty, wholesome

Le verdure a foglia verde sono saluberrime. Leafy green vegetables are really wholesome.

tetro → teterrimo …. gloomy, dark, bleak

Sulla cima della collina si ergeva un castello teterrimo. On top of the hill stood a very gloomy castle.