superlative

[suh-pur-luh-tiv, soo-]

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.

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

/ 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

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

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.)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superlative¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superlative¹

C14: from Old French superlatif, via Late Latin from Latin superlātus extravagant, from superferre to carry beyond, from _super- + ferre to bear

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on Literature

My tasting panel dubbed them a superlative Thanksgiving starch.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Grand Egyptian Museum, which opened to the public on Tuesday, is a place of superlatives.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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