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” ( see bear ¹) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English superlatif, from Old French, from Late Latin, as above

Explanation

A superlative is the highest attainable level or degree of something. As an adjective superlative means highest in quality. When your history test results are superlative, it means you've gotten a perfect score — you've done as well as can be done, if not better than everyone else. There are times, however, when a superlative is an exaggerated expression of praise, as when a movie reviewer gets carried away with compliments and says in January that this is "the best film of the year."

Example Sentences

“The more investors believe in this continuing productivity boom, the more money investors will make as the superlative returns for the leading Mag 7 become the superlative returns for the lagging Rest.”

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

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 • Dec. 2, 2025

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 • Nov. 21, 2025

That said, the big names here—Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jean-Michel Basquiat and many others—provide a superlative entrée to the movers and shakers of the period.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

As the last rabbits disappeared underground the Wide Patrol, which had followed them from Caesar’s Belt with superlative skill and discipline, veered away in a half-circle to the east and then turned for Efrafa.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Related Words

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