WordGarden.iosuperlative
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /suːpˈɜːlətˌɪv/
US
- /sʊˈpɜrlətɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
of the highest quality, rank, or kind
expressing the highest degree in grammar
Noun
a superlative adjective or adverb form
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're describing something amazing, not just good but the best. That's where "superlative" comes in. It can describe the highest possible level of quality or extent. In grammar, it is the form of an adjective or adverb that shows the highest degree. Instead of "tall," "taller," and then "tallest," the last form is the superlative.
Superlatives are often formed by adding "-est" to short adjectives, like "tallest" or "fastest," or by using "most" before longer ones, like "most beautiful" or "most interesting." You will also see the word used outside grammar to describe something excellent. A superlative performance from an actor, the most challenging hike of your life, or the worst storm in decades all point to the highest or most extreme level.
The word "superlative" has two main uses. First, in grammar, it refers to the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree. Words like "best," "tallest," and "most beautiful" are superlatives. This is the meaning many learners meet first. It shows that one thing stands above all others in the same group, as in "She is the fastest runner on the team" or "That was the most interesting part of the book."
Second, "superlative" can be used more generally as an adjective to describe something of the highest quality. If someone speaks of a superlative meal, a superlative performance, or superlative skill, they mean it was excellent, outstanding, and hard to beat. In this sense, the word is often used in praise.
The word can also be a noun that names a highest-degree form itself. For example, you can say, "'Greatest' is the superlative of 'great,'" or "'Worst' is a superlative form." Whether you are talking about grammar or about something truly excellent, "superlative" always carries the idea of being at the top, the highest, or the most extreme within a set.
Examples
- 1
Grammar term
The superlative of "fast" is "fastest."
- 2
Advertising
In the advertisement, every beach was described in superlatives.
- Patterndescribe X in superlatives
use very strong praising words like "best" or "most beautiful"
- 3
Performance
She gave a superlative performance in her first major role.
- 4
Critical praise
Critics were superlative in their praise for the new album.
- Patternsuperlative in your praise
extremely enthusiastic when praising someone or something
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Restaurant opinion
He tends to speak in superlatives whenever he likes a restaurant.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- superlative performance
- superlative skill
- superlative achievement
Word family
Explore
- excellence
- highest degree
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- superlativenounadjective
Forms
- superlativespluralnounadjective