Superiori

Superiori is the plural form of the Italian adjective superiore, meaning higher or upper in position, level, or quality. It is used to describe nouns that denote physical location (piani superiori, livelli superiori), ranking (classi superiori), or quality (prestazioni superiori). It can also function as a noun in contexts such as i superiori, meaning the superiors or higher-ups in an organization or religious community.

Grammar and usage: the base form is superiore, which is used for both masculine and feminine singular. The plural form is superiori, used for both masculine and feminine nouns. The adjective agrees with the noun in gender and number, e.g., piano superiore (singular), piani superiori (plural), grado superiore (singular), gradi superiori (plural). Common contexts include education (livelli superiori), architecture (piani superiori), and evaluation (risultati superiori).

Origin and cognates: superiore derives from Latin superior, meaning above. Cognates appear in other Romance languages, such as French supérieur and Spanish superior. In Italian, superiore and its plural superiore/riare significantly populate everyday language as well as formal terminology, where they help distinguish higher levels, ranks, or qualities from lower ones.

Notes: while primarily an ordinary descriptive term, superiore and superiore/i are also used in technical terms and institutional contexts to designate the more advanced or authoritative side of a division, department, or setting. The plural form superi or superi? No—standard Italian uses superiori for both masculine and feminine plural.