Latin/Adjectives 2 Lesson 2

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New Grammar
This lesson introduces comparison of adjectives. We have studied many adjectives in the “positive degree”, or the basic form, such as
 * altus, a, um = high, deep (1st/2nd declension);
 * fortis, e = strong, brave (3rd declension).

The “comparative degree” refers to a comparison of two things: higher, stronger. To form it, take the stem of the positive degree and add –ior for m/f, -ius for n. :
 * altior, altius = higher;
 * fortior, fortius = stronger.

Comparative adjectives are declined similarly to 3rd declension adjectives, with a few slight differences. Translation of comparatives is usually with “more” or the –er ending in English; but depending on context altior can be translated “rather high” or “a little too high.” There are two ways of forming a comparison clause:
 * with quam (than) + a noun in the same case as the thing it is compared to;
 * or with the “ablative of comparison”, where the ablative alone expresses the thing compared to:
 * Mons altior est quam collis / Mons altior est colle. = The mountain is higher than the hill.

The “superlative degree” of our example adjectives in English would be highest, strongest, and implies a group of three or more things. Once again, we take the stem of the positive degree, and add –issimus, a, um :
 * altissimus, altissima, altissimum = highest;
 * fortissimus, fortissima, fortissimum = strongest.

This then becomes a new, 1st/2nd declension adjective that is declined exactly like any other. Superlative degree adjectives can also be translated as “very high; very strong.”

It would not be Latin if there weren’t several irregular comparisons, and some obscure rules (involving the formation of the superlative in some adjectives). We’ll cover some of them this lesson, and some next. A common grammar exercise at this point is to “compare” adjectives by writing out all three forms: altus, a, um / altior, altius / altissimus, a, um. For irregular comparisons I will write out a comparison for reference, but if it is a regularly-formed comparison I won’t. These irregular comparisons will eventually be added to the vocabulary file.

A good online summary of comparison of adjectives can be found here.

Practice
We will learn more comparatives and superlatives next time. Grātiās et bonam fortūnam!