-ìssimu

Sicilian

Etymology

From Latin -issimus. Compare Italian -issimo, Spanish -ísimo and Portuguese -íssimo (these latter are partly based on the Italian forms).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈis.sɪ.mʊ/ (Standard)
  • Hyphenation: -ìs‧si‧mu

Suffix

-ìssimu (feminine -ìssima, masculine and feminine plurals -ìssimi)

  1. Added to adjectives to form superlatives.
    santu (holy) + -ìssimusantìssimu (very holy)
    sacratu (sacred) + -ìssimusacratìssimu (very sacred)

Usage notes

  • This superlative of Latin derivation is a rare and obsolete application. It can still be found today in some lyrics of songs or prayers, but hardly in the Sicilian speech.
  • The Sicilian superlative is made by adding a superlative term such as troppu or assai near the positive adjective (mostly before it).
    Sta pasta vinni troppu bona.This [dish of] pasta turned out very good.
    Stu paninu è bellu assaiThis panini is very good.
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