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best

US //ˈbɛst// UK //bˈɛst// best
  1. 1 highest quality (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    better than all others of the same kind.

    surpassing all others in excellence, quality, or desirability; the superlative of 'good'.

    Example

    This is the best pizza I have ever eaten in this city.

    Example

    After reviewing several competing proposals, the board concluded that this strategy offered the best chance of long-term growth.

    Usage

    Usually preceded by 'the' or a possessive pronoun like 'my' or 'her'.
    Pitfall
    This is the most best day of my life.
    This is the best day of my life.

    Since 'best' is already a superlative, you do not need to add 'most' before it.

  2. 2 most effectively (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    in the most excellent way or to the highest degree.

    to the highest degree or in the most effective manner; the superlative of 'well'.

    Example

    She works best when the office is quiet and there are no distractions.

    Example

    The software performs best on systems with at least sixteen gigabytes of memory and a dedicated graphics card.

    Usage

    Often follows the verb it modifies.
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  1. 3 greatest effort (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the highest level of effort you can possibly make.

    the utmost effort or the highest standard of achievement a person is capable of.

    Example

    I don't expect you to win, but I want you to do your best.

    Example

    Despite her best, the athlete finished in fourth place, narrowly missing a spot on the podium.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'do one's best'.
  2. 4 the finest people or things (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the person or thing that is better than all the others.

    the most excellent or desirable person, thing, or aspect within a group.

    Example

    We only hire the best to work at our law firm.

    Example

    The anthology features the best of modern poetry, selected by a panel of distinguished critics.

    Usage

    Often used as a collective noun with 'the'.
  3. 5 to defeat (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to defeat someone in a fight or a competition.

    to gain the advantage over or defeat an opponent in a contest or argument.

    Example

    He finally bested his rival in the final round of the tournament.

    Example

    The experienced politician was bested by the newcomer during the televised debate on economic policy.

    Usage

    A transitive verb requiring a direct object.
Idioms16 entries

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