Lesson 128: Relative Superlative / Superativi relativi

The relative superlative in English is the fastest, the shortest, the tallest. In Italian, the relative superlative is formed with:

definite article + più/meno + adjective

• When the relative superlative is used with a noun, the construction varies depending upon whether the adjective precedes or follows the noun:
  
  la più piccola macchina
  the smallest car
  
  l'uomo meno forte
  the least strongest man
  
  
• In Italian, the preposition di + qualifier can follow a superlative construction, whereas in English it would be followed by in, on, at, and sometimes of. The preposition, di, is articulated when it is combined with the definite article of the qualifying noun:
  
  Sono gli studenti più intelligenti della classe.
  They are the smartest students in the class.
  
  È la meno attiva della squadra.
  She is the least active on the team.
  
  Ha trovato la macchina più economica di tutte.
  He found the cheapest car of all.

SEE ALSO: Comparisons/Comparitivi (as tall as, as funny as; longer, shorter, etc.)