superlative

/səˈpʌrlədɪv/
/suˈpʌlətɪv/
IPA guide

Other forms: superlatives

A superlative is the highest attainable level or degree of something. As an adjective superlative means highest in quality.

When your history test results are superlative, it means you've gotten a perfect score — you've done as well as can be done, if not better than everyone else. There are times, however, when a superlative is an exaggerated expression of praise, as when a movie reviewer gets carried away with compliments and says in January that this is "the best film of the year."

Definitions of superlative
  1. adjective
    highest in quality
    synonyms: greatest, sterling
    superior
    of high or superior quality or performance
  2. noun
    the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
    “so many highest superlatives achieved by man”
    synonyms: acme, elevation, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tiptop, top, zenith
    see moresee less
    type of:
    degree, level, point, stage
    a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process
  3. noun
    an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)
    “the critics lavished superlatives on it”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    congratulations, extolment, kudos, praise
    an expression of approval and commendation
  4. noun
    the superlative form of an adjective or adverb
    “`fastest' is the superlative of the adjective `fast'”
    “`least famous' is the superlative degree of the adjective `famous'”
    “`most surely' is the superlative of the adverb `surely'”
    synonyms: superlative degree
    see moresee less
    type of:
    adjective
    a word that expresses an attribute of something
    adverb
    a word that modifies something other than a noun
Pronunciation
US
/səˈpʌrlədɪv/
UK
/suˈpʌlətɪv/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘superlative'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

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