ísimos

Ísimos is the masculine plural form of the Spanish adjective ísimo, used as a degree intensifier to express that something is extremely or supremely of a certain quality. It forms part of the superlative derivation with the base adjective and has corresponding feminine forms: ísima (singular) and ísimas (plural). The singular masculine form is ísimo.

The word derives from the Latin suffix -issimus, which was adopted in Spanish to form superlatives. In writing, the accent on the initial i (í) signals the stressed syllable in pronunciations like ísimo and ísimos, reflecting its irregular stress pattern stemming from the suffix.

Usage and register are important considerations. Ísimos is relatively rare in everyday speech and is often found in literary, humorous, or emphatic contexts. In common conversation, speakers typically opt for synonyms such as muy, extremadamente, sumamente, or prefabricated intensifiers like súper or grandísimo, depending on regional preferences. When used, ísimo and its plural are usually attached to adjectives that denote a positive or negative extreme, as in phrases like un esfuerzo ísimo or un problema ísimo; usage tends to be stylistic rather than routine.

In summary, ísimos serves as a literary or emphatic tool to heighten a quality to its utmost degree, formed from the Latin-derived suffix -issimus and recognized by its distinctive orthography and comparatively limited everyday usage. See also: Spanish superlatives, suffix -ísimo, intensifiers in Spanish.