ENGLISH
REFERENCE

superlative

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //sʊˈpɝɫətɪv// UK //suːpˈɜːlətˌɪv// su·perla·tive

n. the form of an adjective or adverb that shows the highest degree of something. You use it to say that something is the most beautiful, the fastest, or the best in a group.

n. the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of a quality or state. Often formed by adding '-est' to the stem or using 'most' before the word.


CONTEXTUAL

When comparing the three different brands of coffee, the superlative form of 'best' is used to identify the winner.

COMPLEX

While some languages use a single suffix for all superlatives, English often relies on a combination of 'most' and the adjective, though irregular forms like 'best' and 'worst' remain common.

Synonyms
Origin

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”).

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