Definition of superlative Superlative

/sʊpɚˈlʌtɪv/ - [superlutiv] - su•per•la•tive

We found 16 definitions of superlative from 7 different sources.

What does superlative mean?

Noun Plural: superlatives
superlative - an exaggerated expression (usually of praise); "the critics lavished superlatives on it"
		congratulations, extolment, kudos, praise an expression of approval and commendation; "he always appreciated praise for his work"
superlative - 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'"
		superlative degree
		adjective the word class that qualifies nouns
superlative - the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development; "his landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty"; "the artist's gifts are at their acme"; "at the height of her career"; "the peak of perfection"; "summer was at its peak"; "...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame"; "the summit of his ambition"; "so many highest superlatives achieved by man"; "at the top of his profession"
		acme, height, elevation, peak, pinnacle, summit, meridian, tiptop, top
		degree, level, stage, point a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality; "a moderate grade of intelligence"; "a high level of care is required"; "it is all a matter of degree"

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

superlative (Noun)
The highest extent or degree of something.
superlative (Noun)
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.
superlative (Noun)
An adjective used to praise something exceptional.
superlative (Adjective)
Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
superlative (Adjective)
Of or relating to a superlative.

superlative (a.)
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.
superlative (a.)
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, highest, most pleasant, least bright.
superlative (n.)
That which is highest or most eminent; the utmost degree.
superlative (n.)
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.

superlative
sū-pėr′la-tiv, adj. raised above others or to the highest degree: superior to all others: most eminent: (gram.) expressing the highest degree of a quality.—n. (gram.) the superlative or highest degree of adjectives and adverbs: any word or phrase full of exaggeration.—adv. Super′latively.—n. Super′lativeness, state of being superlative or in the highest degree. [L. superlativus—superlatus, pa.p. of superferre—super, above, ferre, to carry.]

In English, most superlatives can be formed by adding -EST to an existing adjective, like fluffiest, craziest or coldest. Some adjectives have irregular superlative forms, such as far ("farthest"). Still more adjectives have no superlative form, and the superlative is made simply by adding the adverb "most" before the adjective. For instance, one does not say "funnest," or "interestingest," but rather "most fun," and "most interesting." This is known as a superlative construction. Superlative constructions are used for almost all adjectives ending in "ing" (interesting, fascinating, disgusting,appealing etc).