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superlative

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Superlative means expressing the very highest degree, or the very best example of something. (adjective)

An example of superlative is having the highest level of talent.
An example of superlative is "smartest," referring to the person who is the most intelligent.

Superlative is a grammar term used for an adjective or adverb that expresses the greatest degree. (noun)

An example of a superlative is the worest "greatest" or "smartest," both of which express the highest degree.

See superlative in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

superior to or excelling all other or others; of the highest kind, quality, degree, etc.; supreme
excessive or exaggerated
Gram. designating or of the extreme degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs; expressing the greatest degree of the quality or attribute expressed by the positive degree: usually indicated by the suffix -est(hardest) or by the use of most with the positive form (most beautiful)

noun

the highest or utmost degree; acme; height; peak
something superlative
Gram.
1. the superlative degree
2. a word or form in this degree

Related Forms:

superlatively adverb
superlativeness noun

See superlative in American Heritage Dictionary 4

su·per·la·tive

adjective

Of the highest order, quality, or degree; surpassing or superior to all others.
Excessive or exaggerated.
Grammar Of, relating to, or being the extreme degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb, as in best or brightest.

noun

Something of the highest possible excellence.
The highest degree; the acme.
Grammar
a. The superlative degree.
b. An adjective or adverb expressing the superlative degree, as in brightest, the superlative of the adjective bright, or most brightly, the superlative of the adverb brightly.

Origin: Middle English superlatif, from Old French, from Late Latin superlātīvus, from Latin superlātus, past participle of superferre, to carry over a person or thing, exaggerate : super-, super- + lātus, past participle of ferre, to carry; see telə- in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

superlatively su·perˈla·tive·ly adverb

Learn more about superlative

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