superlative

American  

[suh-pur-luh-tiv, soo-] / səˈpɜr lə tɪv, sʊ- /

adjective

1. of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme.

   superlative wisdom.

   Synonyms:

   preeminent, magnificent, excellent, surpassing

2. Grammar. of, relating to, or noting the highest degree of the comparison of adjectives and adverbs, as smallest, best, and most carefully, the superlative forms of small, good, and carefully.

3. being more than is proper or normal; exaggerated in language or style.

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noun

1. a superlative person or thing.

2. the utmost degree; acme.

3. Grammar.

   1. the superlative degree.

   2. a form in the superlative.

superlative British  

/ suːˈpɜːlətɪv /

adjective

1. of outstanding quality, degree, etc; supreme

2. grammar denoting the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest or a very high degree of quality. In English the superlative degree is usually marked by the suffix -est or the word most, as in loudest or most loudly Compare positive comparative

3. (of language or style) excessive; exaggerated

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noun

1. a thing that excels all others or is of the highest quality

2. grammar the superlative form of an adjective

3. the highest degree; peak

superlative Cultural  

1. The form of an adjective indicating the greatest degree of the quality that the adjective describes. Best is the superlative form of good; fastest is the superlative form of fast; most charming is the superlative form of charming. The usual superlative takes the ending -est. (Compare comparative.)

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Other Word Forms

• superlatively adverb
• superlativeness noun
• unsuperlative adjective
• unsuperlatively adverb
• unsuperlativeness noun

Etymology

Origin of superlative

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin superlātīvus, equivalent to Latin superlāt(us) “excessive, extravagant” (from super- super- + lātus, used as past participle of ferre “to carry, bring” ( bear ¹ ) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English superlatif, from Old French, from Late Latin, as above

Example Sentences

His maiden Test century was a superlative 143 against Australia in Manchester, and Smith's bravery against fast bowling became a trademark of his game.

From BBC

Mr. Hunter is unquestionably among the first tier of American playwrights, and his crystalline works are bountiful gifts to actors, in this case particularly the superlative Paul Sparks.

From The Wall Street Journal

This transition can be traced in “Icons of the Fantastic,” a catalog of Stephen Korshak’s superlative collection of fantasy illustrations from the past 160 years.

From The Wall Street Journal

When it comes to the superlative, time-eclipsing musical achievements of The Beatles, technological innovation has been there every step of the way.

From Salon

If you ponder that for a moment, you will know all you need to know about comparatives and superlatives.

From Literature

Related Words

• magnificent
• outstanding
• peerless
• superb
• transcendent
• unparalleled