-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.si.mu/ (Standard)
• Hyphenation: -ìs‧si‧mu

Suffix

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

1. Added to adjectives to form superlatives.

   ‎santu (“holy”) + ‎-ìssimu → ‎santìssimu (“very holy”)

   ‎sacratu (“sacred”) + ‎-ìssimu → ‎sacratìssimu (“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 assai ― This panini is very good.