Comparison of Adjectives Ch 26.pptVIP

Comparison of AdjectivesCh 26 27 Comparison of Adjectives The adjectives we’ve learned so far are used to describe a basic characteristic of the noun they modify. Eg: clarus orator a famous orator This is called the “positive” degree of the adjective. Comparison of Adjectives Just like in English, Latin adjectives can be used to show that a person or thing has a greater degree of a certain characteristic than another person(s) or thing(s), or more than is usual or customary. Comparison of Adjectives The ‘comparative’ degree is used to compare one person or thing with just one other. The ‘superlative’ degree is used to compare a person or thing with two or more others. Positive: a famous orator Comparative: a more famous orator Superlative: the most famous orator Formation of Comparatives and Superlatives The comparative and superlative are formed using the base of the adjective. Comparative = base of positive + -ior (M/F) or –ius (N) (gen = -ioris) Superlative = base of positive + -issimus, a, um Formation of Comparatives and Superlatives Pos. carus, a, um felix, gen felicis Comp. carior, -ius felicior, -ius Super. carissimus,a,um felicissimus, a, um Declension of Comparatives Superlatives decline like 1st/2nd declension adjs. Comparatives are 2-ending adjs (like,say, fortis, forte)…BUT they follow the consonant declension! They are an exception to the rule that adjs of the 3rd declension belong to the i-stem declension. Declension of Comparatives Usage and Translation: Comparatives Usually translated with more or with the suffix -er. Eg: more beautiful, happier Sometimes has the force of ‘rather’ (greater degree of quality than usual) or ‘too’ (greater degree than desirable). Eg: rather beautiful, too happy Usage and Translation: Superlatives Usually translated with most or with the suffix -est. Eg: most beautiful, happiest Sometimes has the force of very (especially when compared to what is usual or ideal). Eg: very beautif