superlative

5 antonyms for superlative — opposites grouped by meaning.

Noun — The form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree, such as biggest, best or most carefully.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

The form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree, such as biggest, best or most carefully.

“The superlative of good is best, not goodest.”

top pinnacle acme peak summit elevation height meridian tiptop

Opposites

comparative positive

2. adjective

Of the very highest quality or degree; excellent beyond comparison.

“The orchestra gave a superlative performance.”

outstanding supreme peerless magnificent unrivalled sterling greatest

Opposites

mediocre poor abysmal

Antonyms

comparative positive mediocre poor abysmal

How to use superlative

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

superlative degree superlative form in the superlative superlative quality

The grammatical sense is neutral and technical; the adjective sense is formal, complimentary praise.

Etymology

From late Latin superlativus, from superlatus "carried beyond, exaggerated", from super- "beyond" and ferre "to carry".

Full origin of superlative →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between comparative and superlative?

A comparative compares two things — bigger, more careful — while a superlative picks out the top of three or more — biggest, most careful. Use "the" before a superlative: the tallest building, not just tallest building.

How do you form superlatives in English?

One-syllable adjectives usually take -est (fast, fastest); adjectives of three or more syllables take "most" (beautiful, most beautiful). Two-syllable adjectives vary, though those ending in -y change to -iest (happy, happiest). Good, bad and far are irregular: best, worst, furthest.

Can you say "most best"?

No. That is a double superlative, and it is a standard error. A word is either marked with -est or with "most", never both.

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Nearby words

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