superlative
See also: Superlative
Contents
1 English
1.1 Etymology
1.2 Pronunciation
1.3 Noun
1.3.1 Synonyms
1.3.2 Hyponyms
1.3.3 Related terms
1.3.4 Translations
1.4 Adjective
1.4.1 Usage notes
1.4.2 Synonyms
1.4.3 Translations
1.5 See also
2 French
2.1 Adjective
3 Italian
3.1 Adjective
4 Latin
4.1 Adjective
English
WOTD – 11 March 2008
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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Noun
superlative (plural superlatives)
- The highest extent or degree of something.
(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".
(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
(highest degree): acme, peak
Hyponyms
- absolute superlative
- relative superlative
Related terms
- superlative degree
Translations
highest degree of something
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form of adjective expressing "most"
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adjective used to praise
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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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of or pertaining to a superlative
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See also
- absolute
- comparative
- elative
French
Adjective
superlative
- feminine singular of superlatif
Italian
Adjective
superlative
- feminine plural of superlativo
Latin
Adjective
superlātīve
- vocative masculine singular of superlātīvus
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