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English
Etymology
From Middle English superlatyf from Old French superlatif from Late Latin superlātīvus from Latin superlātus (“‘extravagant, of hyperbole’”), past participle of superfero (“‘carry over’”) from super (“‘above’”) + fero (“‘bear, carry’”).
Pronunciation
- (RP) IPA: /suːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, /sjuːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, SAMPA: /su:"p3:(r).l@.tIv/
- (US) IPA: /suːˈpɝː.lə.tɪv/, /sjuːˈpɝː.lə.tɪv/
- Audio (US)help, file
Noun
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Singular superlative |
Plural superlatives |
superlative (plural superlatives)
- The highest extent or degree of something.
- (grammar) The form of an adjective that expresses which of more than two items has the highest degree of the quality expressed by the adjective; in English, formed by appending "-est" to the end of the adjective (for some short adjectives only) or putting "most" before it.
- The superlative of "big" is "biggest"
- (informal) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.
- Lincoln is amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and many other superlatives I can’t think of right now!
Synonyms
Adjective
superlative (not comparable)
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Positive superlative |
Superlative none (absolute) |
- Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
- (grammar) Of or relating to a superlative.
Translations
exceptionally good
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See also
- absolute
- comparative
- elative
- three degrees of comparison
Italian
Adjective
superlative f.
- Feminine plural form of superlativo
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Working with Zawicizuz for the past two years has been a prosperous experience and I have the utmost respect for him as my comrade and a superlative ...
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TX April 7 1967 Listings TV Times Granada edition
