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Webster 1913 Edition

Superlative

Suˊper-la′tive

,
Adj.
[L.
superlativus
, fr.
superlatus
excessive, used as p. p. of
superiorferre
, but from a different root: cf. F.
superlatif
. See
Elate
,
Tolerate
.]
1.
Lifted up to the highest degree; most eminent; surpassing all other; supreme;
as,
superlative
wisdom or prudence; a woman of
superlative
beauty; the
superlative
glory of the divine character.
2.
(Gram.)
Expressing the highest or lowest degree of the quality, manner, etc., denoted by an adjective or an adverb. The superlative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -est, most, or least;
as, high
est
,
most
pleasant,
least
bright
.
–
Suˊper-la′tive-ly
,
adv.
–
Suˊper-la′tive-ness
,
Noun.

Suˊper-la′tive

,
Noun.
1.
That which is highest or most eminent; the utmost degree.
2.
(Gram.)
(a)
The superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, a form or word by which the superlative degree is expressed;
as,
strongest
,
wisest
,
most stormy
,
least windy
, are all
superlatives
.
Absolute superlative
,
a superlative in an absolute rather than in a comparative or exclusive sense. See
Elative
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Superlative

SUPER'LATIVE

,
Adj.
[L. superlativus; super and latio, latus, fero.]
1.
Highest in degree; most eminent; surpassing all other; as a man of superlative wisdom or prudence, of superlative worth; a woman of superlative beauty.
2.
Supreme; as the superlative glory of the divine character.
3.
In grammar, expressing the highest or utmost degree; as the superlative degree of comparison.

SUPER'LATIVE

,
Noun.
In grammar,the superlative degree of adjectives, which is formed by the termination est, as meanest, highest, bravest; or by the use of most, as most high, most brave; or by least, as least amiable.

Definition 2024

Superlative

Superlative

See also: superlative

German

Noun

Superlative

  1. plural of Superlativ

superlative

superlative

See also: Superlative

English

Noun

superlative ‎(plural superlatives)

  1. The highest extent or degree of something.
  2. (grammar) The form of an adjective that expresses which of several 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".‎
  3. (informal) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.
    Daniel is amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and many other superlatives I can’t think of right now!‎

Synonyms

Hyponyms

Related terms

Translations

Adjective

superlative ‎(not comparable)

  1. Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
  2. (grammar) Of or relating to a superlative.

Usage notes

Rather formal, reflecting its Latin etymology; more colloquial alternatives include exceptional, fabulous, above and beyond, and others.

Synonyms

Translations

See also

French

Adjective

superlative

  1. feminine singular of superlatif

Italian

Adjective

superlative

  1. feminine plural of superlativo

Latin

Adjective

superlātīve

  1. vocative masculine singular of superlātīvus

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

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /suːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, /sjuːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/
  • (US) IPA(key): /suˈpɝː.lə.tɪv/

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