superlative

su·per·la·tive

Use superlative in a sentence

adjective

The definition of superlative is expressing the very highest degree, or the very best example of something.
1. An example of superlative is having the highest level of talent.
2. An example of superlative is "smartest," referring to the person who is the most intelligent.

noun

Superlative is a grammar term used for an adjective or adverb that expresses the greatest degree.
An example of a superlative is the "greatest" or "smartest," both of which express the highest degree.

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"superlative." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 24 May 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/SUPERLATIVE>.

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superlative. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/SUPERLATIVE

superlative

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)

Origin of superlative

Middle English from Middle French superlatif from Late Latin superlativus from Classical Latin superlatus, excessive from super-, above, beyond + latus, past participle of ferre, to bear

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

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MLA Style

"superlative." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 24 May 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/SUPERLATIVE>.

APA Style

superlative. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/SUPERLATIVE

superlative

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 of superlative

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:

su·per′la·tive·ly
adverb

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"superlative." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 24 May 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/SUPERLATIVE>.

APA Style

superlative. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/SUPERLATIVE

Noun

(plural superlatives)

The highest extent or degree of something.
(grammar) The form of an adjective that expresses which of more than two 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!

Related terms

superlative degree

Adjective

(not comparable)

Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
(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.

Origin

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”).