superlative

See also: Superlative

English

WOTD – 11 March 2008

Etymology

From Middle English superlatyf, from Old French superlatif, from Late Latin superlātīvus, from Latin superlātus (extravagant, of hyperbole), past participle of superfero (carry over), from super (above) + fero (bear, carry).

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /suːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, /sjuːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/
  • (US) IPA(key): /suˈpɝː.lə.tɪv/
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Noun

superlative (plural superlatives)

  1. The highest extent or degree of something.
  2. (grammar) The form of an adjective that expresses which of several items has the highest degree of the quality expressed by the adjective; in English, formed by appending "-est" to the end of the adjective (for some short adjectives only) or putting "most" before it.
    The superlative of "big" is "biggest".
  3. (informal) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.
    Daniel is amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and many other superlatives I can’t think of right now!

Synonyms

Hyponyms

Translations

Adjective

superlative (not comparable)

  1. Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
  2. (grammar) Of or relating to a superlative.

Usage notes

Rather formal, reflecting its Latin etymology; more colloquial alternatives include exceptional, fabulous, above and beyond, and others.

Synonyms

Translations

See also


French

Adjective

superlative

  1. feminine singular of superlatif

Italian

Adjective

superlative

  1. feminine plural of superlativo

Latin

Adjective

superlātīve

  1. vocative masculine singular of superlātīvus
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