SUPERLATIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does superlative mean? 

• SUPERLATIVE (noun)
  The noun SUPERLATIVE has 3 senses:

1. an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)

2. the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

3. the superlative form of an adjective or adverb

  Familiarity information: SUPERLATIVE used as a noun is uncommon.

• SUPERLATIVE (adjective)
  The adjective SUPERLATIVE has 1 sense:

1. highest in quality

  Familiarity information: SUPERLATIVE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SUPERLATIVE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An exaggerated expression (usually of praise)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Context example:

the critics lavished superlatives on it

Hypernyms ("superlative" is a kind of...):

congratulations; extolment; kudos; praise (an expression of approval and commendation)

Domain member usage:

best ((superlative of 'good') having the most positive qualities)

worst ((superlative of 'bad') most wanting in quality or value or condition)

most (the superlative of 'much' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by 'the'; a quantifier meaning the greatest in amount or extent or degree)

least (the superlative of 'little' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by 'the'; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree)

most ((superlative of 'many' used with count nouns and often preceded by 'the') quantifier meaning the greatest in number)

fewest ((superlative of 'few' used with count nouns and usually preceded by 'the') quantifier meaning the smallest in number)

closest; nearest; nighest ((superlative of 'near' or 'close') within the shortest distance)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

acme; elevation; height; meridian; peak; pinnacle; summit; superlative; tiptop; top

Context example:

at the top of his profession

Hypernyms ("superlative" is a kind of...):

degree; level; point; stage (a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process)

Derivation:

superlative (highest in quality)

Sense 3

Meaning:

The superlative form of an adjective or adverb

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

superlative; superlative degree

Context example:

'most surely' is the superlative of the adverb 'surely'

Hypernyms ("superlative" is a kind of...):

adjective (a word that expresses an attribute of something)

adverb (a word that modifies something other than a noun)

• SUPERLATIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Highest in quality

Synonyms:

greatest; sterling; superlative

Similar:

superior (of high or superior quality or performance)

Derivation:

superlative (the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development)

 Context examples 

Another of his characteristics—no use of superlatives.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

And now, in her, he conceived purity to be the superlative of goodness and of cleanness, the sum of which constituted eternal life.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)