Superlative Adjective Formation

This entry concerns the construction of a superlative adjective indicating the highest degree of a quality or characteristic within a specified group or context.

Regular Superlative Formation

For most adjectives, the superlative is formed by adding the suffix "-est" to the positive form. This typically applies to adjectives with one syllable. For example, "tall" becomes "tallest."

Superlative Formation with "Most"

Adjectives with three or more syllables almost always form the superlative by preceding the adjective with the word "most." For instance, "beautiful" becomes "most beautiful." Many two-syllable adjectives also follow this rule, especially those ending in suffixes like "-ful," "-less," "-ous," "-ish," and "-ive."

Irregular Superlatives

Some adjectives have irregular superlative forms that do not follow the standard rules. These forms must be memorized. Common examples include:

• Good: best
• Bad: worst
• Far: farthest/furthest
• Little: least
• Much/Many: most

Comparative vs. Superlative

It's essential to distinguish between comparative and superlative forms. Comparatives (e.g., "taller," "more beautiful") compare two entities, while superlatives (e.g., "tallest," "most beautiful") indicate the highest degree among three or more entities.

Spelling Considerations

When adding "-est," double the final consonant if the adjective ends in a single vowel followed by a single consonant (e.g., "big" becomes "biggest"). If the adjective ends in a "y" preceded by a consonant, change the "y" to "i" before adding "-est" (e.g., "happy" becomes "happiest").