Relative and Absolute Superlatives

In brief

Italian has two kinds of superlative. A relative superlative identifies someone or something as the most or least within a group. An absolute superlative emphasizes a quality without comparing it with a group: buonissimo means ‘very good,’ not necessarily ‘the best.’

Form

Relative: definite article + più/meno + adjective, often followed by di + group (la più alta della classe). Absolute: adjective stem + -issimo/-issima/-issimi/-issime (bello → bellissimo; facile → facilissimo).

Usage

• Use the relative form to pick out an extreme within a specific group; the article and adjective agree with the noun.
• Use the -issimo form to emphasize a quality on its own; its ending agrees with the noun.
• Use molto + adjective as another way to say ‘very,’ without adding a superlative ending.

Examples

• Questa è la strada più corta del quartiere. — This is the shortest street in the neighborhood.
• È il ristorante meno caro della zona. — It’s the least expensive restaurant in the area.
• La torta è buonissima. — The cake is delicious.
• Siamo stanchissimi dopo il viaggio. — We’re extremely tired after the trip.

Common mistake

❌ Questa pizza è la più buonissima del menù.

✅ Questa pizza è la più buona del menù.

To say ‘the best on the menu,’ use the relative form più buona. The -issima ending expresses ‘very good’ on its own; do not combine it with più for a standard relative superlative.

Remember

Più or meno with an article compares within a group; -issimo adds emphasis without a comparison.