36.2 For most adjectives, the comparative degree is marked by adding -τερος -τερα -τερον to the masculine stem of the positive degree. To mark the superlative degree, the endings -τατος -τατη -τατον are added to the masculine stem. (S 313, G 177). For adjectives that have these endings, the PERSISTENT ACCENT is on the ANTEPENULT.

36.3

36.4 Note that in the above examples, the final ο of masculine stems sometimes appears as ω before the addition of the τερ/τατ markers. Generally speaking, the LENGTH of this vowel is OPPOSITE the length of the preceding vowel:

  • μωρότερος μωροτέρα μωρότερον
  • σοφώτερος σοφωτέρα σοφώτερον

However, if the preceding stem vowel is followed by two consonants or a double consonant (e.g. ξ, ψ, ζ), ο appears regardless of the length of the preceding vowel:

  • πιστότερος πιστορέρα πιστότερον
Book Nav