When comparing the massive leaps in computing power from early machines to modern devices, a simple "more" or "better" often isn't enough. To strongly emphasize a comparison, Croatian uses specific comparative amplifiers placed directly before comparative adjectives or adverbs.
Znatno (Significantly)
The word znatno means "significantly" or "considerably." You use it to show a substantial, measurable difference between two things.
| significantly | znatno |
| Modern devices have a significantly greater capacity. | Moderni uređaji imaju znatno veći kapacitet. |
| Their memory capacity is significantly smaller. | Kapacitet njihove memorije znatno je manji. |
Daleko (Far)
While daleko literally means "far" in terms of physical distance, it is frequently used as an abstract amplifier to mean "far more" or "far less." Just like in English, it pairs naturally with comparatives to express a vast gap in quality or power.
| Today's processors are far more powerful than the first machines. | Današnji su procesori daleko moćniji nego prvi strojevi. |
| Miniature devices will be far more powerful. | Minijaturni uređaji bit će daleko moćniji. |
Kudikamo (By far)
For an even more expressive comparison, Croatian uses kudikamo. This adverb translates closely to "by far," "way more," or "incomparably." It is perfect for describing technological leaps where the new version completely outclasses the old.
| far more | kudikamo |
| Progress has occurred, and processors process data far faster. | Došlo je do napretka te procesori obrađuju podatke kudikamo brže. |
Amplifying Adverbs and Quantities
These amplifiers aren't limited to adjectives describing traits like "bigger" or "more powerful." You can use znatno, daleko, and kudikamo to amplify comparative adverbs (such as describing how a machine processes data) or words of quantity like više (more) and manje (less).
| This computer has significantly more memory and processes data faster. | Ovo računalo ima znatno više memorije te brže obrađuje podatke. |
| Both processors have far better performance today. | Oba procesora danas imaju kudikamo bolje performanse. |
| Both miniature computers have far less memory. | Oba minijaturna računala imaju daleko manje memorije. |