1. Lesson 61: Adjective Degrees preview
Before we begin please read pages 422ff “Grammar” of your textbook. This will give you a preview of what you are about to learn.
What are the three adjective degrees?
In English, how are comparatives and superlatives formed?
How are comparatives and superlatives formed and declined in Latin?

2. Lesson 61: Adjective Degrees Adjective Degrees in English
In English and in Latin there are three adjective degrees: positive, comparative and superlative
Comparative adjectives, as the name suggests, compare two (or more) objects. Common translations are: -er, more, too, rather.
Superlative adjectives show the greatest extent of something cf. yearbook “superlative” awards. Common translations are –est, most, very

3. Lesson 61: Adjective Degrees Comparatives in Latin
For both comparative and superlative adjectives, you need to form the stem i.e. genitive singular minus –i, -ae or –is inflection
Masculine and feminine comparative adjectives are formed by adding –ior to the adjective base for the nominative singular. For neuter, the ending for nominative singular is –ius.
The stem for comparatives is –ior
Comparatives decline like third declension adjectives
Complete the chart from page 423

4. Lesson 61: Adjective Degrees Superlatives in Latin
Superlative adjectives add –issimus, -issima, issimum to the adjective stem.
Superlative adjectives belong to the 1st/2nd declension cf. magnus
nom. altissimus altissima altissimum
gen. altissimi altissimae altissimi
dat. altissimo altissimae altissimo
acc. altissimum altissimam altissimum
abl. altissimo altissimā altissimo
nom. altissimi altissimae altissima
gen. altissimorum altissimarum altissimorum
dat. altissimis altissimis altissimis
acc. altissimos altissimas altissima
abl. altissimis altissimis altissimis