English Dictionary
Definition of “superlative”
Word Frequency
superlative (suːˈpɜːlətɪv
)
Definitions
adjective
- of outstanding quality, degree, etc; supreme
- (grammar) denoting the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest or a very high degree of quality. In English the superlative degree is usually marked by the suffix -est or the word most, as in loudest or most loudly Compare positive (sense 10), comparative (sense 3)
- (of language or style) excessive; exaggerated
noun
- a thing that excels all others or is of the highest quality
- (grammar) the superlative form of an adjective
- the highest degree; peak
Derived Forms
suˈperlatively adverbsuˈperlativeness noun
Word Origin
C14: from Old French superlatif, via Late Latin from Latin superlātus extravagant, from superferre to carry beyond, from super- + ferre to bearSynonyms
View thesaurus entry = supreme, excellent, outstanding, highest, greatest, crack, magnificent, surpassing, consummate, stellar, unparalleled, transcendent, unrivalled, peerless, unsurpassed, matchless, of the highest order, of the first water,
Translations for 'superlative'
- British English: superlative If you describe something as superlative, you mean that it is extremely good. ADJECTIVEThe four actors give superlative performances.
- Brazilian Portuguese: superlativo
- Chinese: 极好的极極好的
- European Spanish: excepcional
- French: exceptionnel exceptionnelle
- German: überragend
- Italian: eccellente
- Japanese: 最高の
- Korean: 최상의
- Portuguese: superlativo superlativa
- Spanish: excepcional
- British English: superlative If someone uses superlatives to describe something, they use adjectives and expressions which indicate that it is extremely good. NOUN...a spectacle which has critics world-wide reaching for superlatives.
- Brazilian Portuguese: superlativo
- Chinese: 极致极<TRAD>極</TRAD>致極好的
- European Spanish: superlativo
- French: superlatif
- German: Superlativ
- Italian: termini entusiastici
- Japanese: 最上級
- Korean: 최상급
- Portuguese: superlativo
- Spanish: superlativo
Example Sentences Including 'superlative'
A superlative first half by the Saints, sparked by classy youngsters Nick Riewoldt and Luke Ball, set up the 23-point win.The Australian (2004)
After her superlative work in Your Friends and Neighbours and Being John Malkovich, it's clear she excels at dark comedy.Spiked
And we led the way with superlative coverage of Big Brother's climax.Sun, News of the World (2002)
He was a superlative dancer, showy, athletic and spectacular.An Older Woman
If open, this door leads out to a loggia, with some superlative views.Umbria - the green heart of Italy
Martin Mooney is a superlative exponent of the well made picture in the tradition of 19th- century realism.Irish Times (2002)
Ronan O'Gara, at the end of superlative service from Peter Stringer, was the architect of victory.Times, Sunday Times (2002)
They have so much already and this is a modest thing compared to their superlative bronzes and marbles.The Gwen John Sculpture
enquired father Mok, rather spoiling the effect by saying `Good" and racing off before either of them could think of a superlative.A Means to Evil
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