| / English Dictionary |
SUPERLATIVE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
The superlative form of an adjective or adverb
Example:
'most surely' is the superlative of the adverb 'surely'
Synonyms:
superlative; superlative degree
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
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)
Sense 2
Meaning:
An exaggerated expression (usually of praise)
Example:
the critics lavished superlatives on it
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
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 3
Meaning:
The highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
Example:
at the top of his profession
Synonyms:
acme; elevation; height; meridian; peak; pinnacle; summit; superlative; tiptop; top
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
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)
II. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Highest in quality
Synonyms:
greatest; sterling; superlative
Classified under:
Similar:
superior (of high or superior quality or performance)
Derivation:
superlative (the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development)
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