Word
superlative
Phoneticssu·perla·tive
US/sʊˈpɝɫətɪv/
UK/suːpˈɜːlətˌɪv/
Definitions
01grammar
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Technology Technical
n. the form of an adjective or adverb that shows the most of a quality, like 'biggest' or 'most expensive'.
n. the form of an adjective or adverb expressing the highest or a very high degree of the quality specified. In English, it is typically formed with the suffix '-est' or the modifier 'most'.
Español:superlativo
“The word 'tallest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'tall'.”
“Students often struggle with irregular superlatives, such as 'worst' or 'farthest', which do not follow the standard suffix rules.”
Usage
Usually preceded by the definite article 'the'.
Pitfall
She is the most smartest girl in class.
She is the smartest girl in class.
Do not use 'most' with adjectives that already have the '-est' ending.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02extreme praise
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Formal
n. words or phrases that express very high praise or describe something as the best.
n. exaggerated or excessive expressions of praise or excellence. Often used in the plural to describe a style of speech or writing.
“The critics used every superlative to describe the actor's amazing performance.”
“The marketing campaign was so full of superlatives that many consumers became skeptical of the product's actual capabilities.”
Synonyms
03excellent
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. of the highest quality; better than all others.
adj. surpassing all others; very high in quality or degree.
“The hotel provides superlative service to all its guests.”
“The pianist gave a superlative performance, demonstrating a level of technical mastery rarely seen in one so young.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The press release covering the announcement came packed with superlatives.” “Evanilson’s superlative control and layoff laid up Tavernier’s drilled finish.” Etymology
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.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/superlative
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0