Altior

Definition

Altior is the comparative form of the Latin adjective 'altus', which means 'high' or 'tall'. This term is used to compare the height or elevation of two or more subjects, indicating that one is at a greater height than the other. In Latin grammar, comparative adjectives like altior are essential for expressing degrees of comparison between qualities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Altior is used to compare two entities, indicating that one has a higher quality or quantity than the other.
2. In Latin, comparatives often use '-ior' endings for masculine and feminine forms, while neuter forms typically end in '-ius'.
3. To form the comparative, you typically take the positive form and modify it, like changing 'altus' to 'altior'.
4. When using comparatives in a sentence, they often require a word like 'quam' (than) to complete the comparison.
5. Understanding the declension of altior is crucial since it must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Review Questions

• How does altior function within a sentence when comparing two objects?
  • Altior functions as a comparative adjective to show that one object has a greater height than another. For example, if you say 'Marcus est altior quam Lucius', it means 'Marcus is taller than Lucius'. In this construction, altior directly modifies Marcus and is linked with quam to create a clear comparison between the two subjects.
• What are some examples of sentences that correctly use altior in various grammatical cases?
  • An example in the nominative case could be 'Pueri altiores sunt', meaning 'The boys are taller'. In the accusative case, one might say 'Video pueros altiores', meaning 'I see the taller boys'. Using altior in different cases shows its flexibility and necessity to agree with the nouns it describes.
• Evaluate how understanding altior can enhance comprehension of Latin literature and texts.
  • Understanding altior enriches comprehension of Latin literature by allowing readers to grasp nuances in descriptions and comparisons made by authors. Comparatives like altior indicate not just basic descriptions but also emphasize differences and hierarchies among characters or objects. Recognizing this helps readers appreciate the subtleties in character relationships and settings, leading to a deeper analysis of themes and dynamics within the texts.

Related terms

altus: The positive form of the adjective meaning 'high' or 'tall'.

superlative: The form of an adjective that expresses the highest degree of quality, often ending in '-issimus' in Latin.

comparative: A grammatical term used to describe the form of an adjective that compares two or more nouns.