§291. Comparatives and Superlatives

Besides their regular signification (as in English), the forms of comparison are used as follows:—

a. The Comparative denotes a considerable or excessive degree of a quality: as,—brevior, rather short; audācior, too bold.

b. The Superlative (of eminence) often denotes a very high degree of a quality without implying a distinct comparison: as,—mōns altissimus, a very high mountain.

c. With quam, vel, or ūnus the Superlative denotes the highest possible degree:—

• quam plūrimī, as many as possible.
• quam maximē potest (maximē quam potest), as much as can be.
• vel minimus, the very least.
• vir ūnus doctissimus, the one most learned man.

For the Superlative with quisque, see § 313. b. For the construction of a substantive after a Comparative, see §§ 406, 407; for that of a clause, see § 535. c, 571. a. For the Ablative of Degree of Difference with a Comparative ( multō etc.), see § 414.