superlative
[ suh-pur-luh-tiv, soo- ]
/ səˈpɜr lə tɪv, sʊ- /
adjective
of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme: superlative wisdom.
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.
Compare comparative(def 4), positive(def 21).
being more than is proper or normal; exaggerated in language or style.
noun
a superlative person or thing.
the utmost degree; acme.
Grammar.
- the superlative degree.
- a form in the superlative.
Origin of superlative
SYNONYMS FOR superlative
OTHER WORDS FROM superlative
Words nearby superlative
superjacent,
superjet,
superjumbo,
superkingdom,
superl.,
superlative,
superliner,
superload,
superloo,
superluminal,
superlunar
Example sentences from the Web for superlatively
British Dictionary definitions for superlatively
superlative
/ (suːˈpɜːlətɪv) /
adjective
of outstanding quality, degree, etc; supreme
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 (def. 10), comparative (def. 3)
(of language or style) excessive; exaggerated
noun
a thing that excels all others or is of the highest quality
grammar
the superlative form of an adjective
the highest degree; peak
Derived forms of superlative
superlatively, adverb superlativeness, nounWord Origin for superlative
C14: from Old French
superlatif, via Late Latin from Latin
superlātus extravagant, from
superferre to carry beyond, from
super- +
ferre to bear
Cultural definitions for superlatively
superlative
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.)