Superlative Definition
superlative
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English
WOTD - 11 March 2008 Wikipedia has an article on: SuperlativeEtymology
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/
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Audio (US) (file)
Noun
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
Related terms
Adjective
superlative (not comparable)
- Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
- (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
- (exceptionally good): above and beyond, exceptional, extraordinary, superb
Translations
exceptionally good
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See also
Italian
Adjective
superlative f.
- feminine plural form of superlativo
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