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7.7. Intensity

7.7.1. The Absolute Suffix "-íssimo"

Besides the adverb “molto” (“very”), another option is to add the absolute superlative suffix “-íssimo” to the end of an adjective.

If the adjective already ends in a vowel, remove the final vowel and add the suffix “-íssimo”.

AltoTall
AltíssimoVery tall / Exceedingly tall

The exceptions are adjectives whose meanings already absolute or classifying adjectives. Some examples: fantàstico, ideale, infinito, immortale, total, etc.

One notable exception to the exception is the word "mesmo", which means "same". This adjective can be intensified into the form "mesmíssimo", meaning, "the very same", for emphasis.

7.7.2. The Equivalent of "-ish"

The equivalent of the suffix "-ish" for colors of low intensity is normally the suffix "-astro".

VerdastroGreenish
GalbenastroYellowish
RossastroReddish
RosatoPinkish / Rose-colored
GrisastroGreyish
NegrastroBlackish
BlancastroWhitish