superlative

/sooperltiv, syoo-/

  • adjective 1 of the highest quality or degree. 2 Grammar (of an adjective or adverb) expressing the highest or a very high degree of a quality (e.g. bravest, most fiercely). Contrasted with POSITIVE and COMPARATIVE.

  • noun an exaggerated expression of praise.

  — DERIVATIVES superlatively adverb.

  — ORIGIN Latin superlativus, from superferre ‘carry beyond’.

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