To obtain superiority, English uses more...than or the suffixe -er. In Lebanese the word takes on a specific form. You can obtain it by stripping the adjective down to its root then giving it the form aXXaX. (The Xs represent the root letters). For instance:
Kbeer (big) > KBR > akbar (bigger)
les (smooth) > MLS > amlas (smoother)

The comparative adjective can be used:
- standing alone: Húe akbar (he is bigger)
- in a comparison, with men: Húe akbar men Yasmina (he is bigger than Yasmina)
- superlatively, with the article: Húe l-akbar (he is the biggest).

As you can see, the equivalent of the -est form is obtained by simply appending the article to the adjective.

B. Absolute superlative

Absolute superlative (very ...) is obtained by using kteer ("very", "a lot") right before or after the adjective it makes no difference:

7elwe kteer/Kteer 7elwe: She's very beautiful
Méle7 kteer: It's very salty
Heyda kteer m3assab: This guy is very angry

C. The more... the more...

The Lebanese equivalent of this form is Kell ma..., kell ma...: Kell ma akbar kell ma a7san (The bigger the better).

Chapter 11: Interrogation

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