moltissimi
Lemma: moltissimi
Translation: very many; a great many; countless; numerous; a huge number of (adjective)
Etymology: Moltissimi is the superlative form of 'molti' (many), which comes from Latin 'multus' (much, many). The suffix '-issimi' is the masculine plural form of the superlative suffix '-issimo', which intensifies the meaning to 'very many' or 'a great many'. This pattern of forming superlatives with '-issimo' is common in Italian and derives from Latin '-issimus'. The English cognate is found in words like 'multitude', 'multiple', and 'multiply', all sharing the Latin root 'multus'.
Example Usage
Ci sono moltissimi turisti in città durante l'estate.
There are very many tourists in the city during summer.
Ho moltissimi libri nella mia biblioteca.
I have a great many books in my library.
Moltissimi studenti hanno partecipato alla manifestazione.
A huge number of students participated in the demonstration.
Ci sono moltissimi modi per risolvere questo problema.
There are countless ways to solve this problem.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'multi' in English (many) + 'issimi' (the most) = the most many = very many
- The 'issimi' ending sounds like 'easy-me' – imagine it's so easy to find many examples because there are so many of them
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Moltissimi is commonly used in everyday Italian to emphasize a large quantity. Italians tend to use superlatives like this more frequently than English speakers might, as part of the expressive nature of the language.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'moltissimi' means 'very many' in terms of quantity, 'molteplici' means 'multiple' or 'manifold' emphasizing variety rather than just quantity.
This word:
Ci sono moltissimi ristoranti in questa zona.
There are very many restaurants in this area.
Confused word:
Ci sono molteplici ragioni per questa decisione.
There are multiple reasons for this decision.
Notes: 'Moltissimi' is about pure quantity, while 'molteplici' suggests diversity within that quantity.
Mnemonic: 'Moltissimi' has 'issimi' (most) = greatest quantity; 'molteplici' sounds like 'multiple' = variety of types
Explanation: Both mean 'very many', but 'tantissimi' comes from 'tanto' (so much) while 'moltissimi' comes from 'molto' (much, many). They are nearly interchangeable but 'tantissimi' sometimes carries a slightly more emphatic or emotional tone.
Notes: In many contexts, these words can be used interchangeably, though 'tantissimi' might be slightly more colloquial or emphatic.
Mnemonic: Think of 'moltissimi' for counting many objects, and 'tantissimi' when expressing emotional emphasis.