Explain the formation of the superlative degree of adjectives.

The superlative degree of adjectives is used to compare three or more people, things, or qualities and indicate the highest degree of a particular characteristic. It is formed in different ways depending on the type of adjective.

1. For most one-syllable adjectives, the superlative degree is formed by adding "-est" to the adjective:
- Example: tall → tallest, fast → fastest

2. For one-syllable adjectives ending in "e," only "-st" is added:
- Example: large → largest, fine → finest

3. For one-syllable adjectives ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, the final consonant is doubled before adding "-est":
- Example: big → biggest, hot → hottest

4. For two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y," the "y" is changed to "i" before adding "-est":
- Example: happy → happiest, pretty → prettiest

5. For two-syllable adjectives not ending in "-y," and for most adjectives with three or more syllables, "most" is added before the adjective to form the superlative degree:
- Example: intelligent → most intelligent, beautiful → most beautiful

6. Some adjectives have irregular forms in the superlative degree:
- Example: good → best, bad → worst, far → farthest

It is important to note that when comparing two things or people, the comparative degree is used, while the superlative degree is used when comparing three or more. Additionally, the superlative degree can be modified by using "by far" or "easily" to emphasize the difference in degree.

Overall, the formation of the superlative degree of adjectives involves adding "-est" or "most" to the adjective, with some irregular forms and spelling changes depending on the type of adjective.