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/
Audio (US) (file) Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
superlative (plural superlatives)
- The highest extent or degree of something.
- (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".
- (informal) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.
- Daniel is amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and many other superlatives I can’t think of right now!
Hyponyms
Related terms
Translations
highest degree of something
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form of adjective expressing "most"
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adjective used to praise
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Adjective
superlative (not comparable)
Usage notes
Rather formal, reflecting its Latin etymology; more colloquial alternatives include exceptional, fabulous, above and beyond, and others.
Synonyms
- (exceptionally good): above and beyond, exceptional, extraordinary, superb
Translations
exceptionally good
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of or pertaining to a superlative
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French
Italian
Latin
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