superlative
|su-per-la-tive|
🇺🇸
/suːˈpɜːrlətɪv/
🇬🇧
/suːˈpɜːlətɪv/
highest quality
Etymology
'superlative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'superlativus,' where 'super-' meant 'above' and 'latus' meant 'carried.'
'superlativus' transformed into the Old French word 'superlatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'superlative' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'carried above others,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'of the highest quality or degree.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of a quality (e.g., best, fastest).
In the sentence 'She is the fastest runner,' 'fastest' is a superlative.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
of the highest quality or degree.
She received a superlative performance review.
Synonyms
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45