English Reference
noun · adjective

superlative

n. · adj.
US /sʊˈpɝɫətɪv/ UK /suːpˈɜːlətˌɪv/ su·perla·tive UK spelling superlatives

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.an expression of very high praise or a word that describes something as the best.

    n.an exaggerated expression of praise or a term used to describe something as being of the highest possible quality.

    Simple

    The critics used every superlative to describe the actor's amazing performance.

    In context

    The marketing campaign was filled with superlatives, claiming the new software was the fastest, most reliable, and most intuitive tool ever created.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.of the highest quality; much better than others.

    adj.surpassing all others; very high in quality or degree.

    Simple

    The hotel provides superlative service to all its guests.

    In context

    Her superlative skills as a negotiator allowed the company to secure the contract despite heavy competition from international firms.

The press release covering the announcement came packed with superlatives.

The Guardian· 3 Sept 2026

From Middle English superlatyf, from Old French superlatif, from Late Latin superlātīvus, from Latin superlātus (“carried above, over; extravagant, of hyperbole”), past participle of superfero (“carry over”), from super (“above”) + fero (“bear, carry”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin superlātus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated