noun
A2
Elementary
superlative
soo-PUR-luh-tiv
Superlative (noun) means the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree, such as biggest, best or most carefully. Example: “The superlative of good is best, not goodest.”
noun
1
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."
"English forms most short superlatives with -est and longer ones with "most"."
2
An exaggerated expression of praise.
"The reviews were a stream of superlatives that told you nothing useful."
adjective
1
Of the very highest quality or degree; excellent beyond comparison.
"The orchestra gave a superlative performance."
"Her superlative timing turned an ordinary joke into a great one."
How to use superlative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe "-est" form of a word, or something as good as it gets.
When to use it
The grammatical sense is neutral and technical; the adjective sense is formal, complimentary praise.
Memory tip
When you see "the" plus an -est word, you are looking at a superlative: the fastest, the smallest, the most expensive.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
superlative degree
superlative form
in the superlative
superlative quality
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of good is best, not goodest.
Etymology
From late Latin superlativus, from superlatus "carried beyond, exaggerated", from super- "beyond" and ferre "to carry".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for superlative
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of superlative?
"superlative" (noun) means the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree, such as biggest, best or most carefully.
