Superlative adverbs show that something is done to the greatest or highest degree. In English, we often use the word “most” or the suffix “-est” to form superlatives (e.g., “most carefully,” “fastest”).
Formation
- Use más (more) before the adverb to form the superlative.
- Example: rápidamente (quickly) → más rápidamente (most quickly).
Definite Superlative
- Add el, la, los, or las (the) before más to make a definite superlative, meaning “the most…”
- This is used when comparing one person or thing to all others in a group.
- Example: Ella es la que corre más rápidamente. (She is the one who runs most quickly.)
Absolute Superlative
- Expresses a very high degree without making a direct comparison.
- Often formed by adding the suffix -ísimo / -ísima to the adjective (not the adverb).
- Example: rápido → rapidísimo (very fast).
- Note: This applies to adjectives, not adverbs.
Examples
Sample Sentences
| Spanish Sentence |
|---|
| Ella corre muy rápido. |
| English Sentence |
| Spanish (Simple) | Spanish (Superlative) | Spanish (Definite Superlative) |
|---|---|---|
| rápidamente | más rápidamente | la más rápidamente |
| English | ||
Summary
- Form superlative adverbs with más + adverb.
- Use the definite article (el, la, los, las) for definite superlatives.
- Absolute superlatives (very ) use -ísimo* suffix on adjectives, not adverbs.
- Superlative adverbs express the highest degree or extreme intensity of an action.
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025