superlative
[sə'pɚlətɪv]
a. , ,

n. (), 程,



superlative
[ noun ]

1. an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)

<noun.communication>
the critics lavished superlatives on it

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

<noun.state>
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

3. the superlative form of an adjective or adverb

<noun.communication>
`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'

[ adj ]

1. highest in quality

<adj.all>

Superlative \Su`per*la"tive\, n.
1. That which is highest or most eminent; the utmost degree.

2. (Gram.)
(a) 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.

{Absolute superlative}, a superlative in an absolute rather
than in a comparative or exclusive sense. See {Elative}.


Superlative \Su`per*la"tive\, a. [L. superlativus, fr.
superlatus excessive, used as p. p. of superiorferre, but
from a different root: cf. F. superlatif. See {Elate},
{Tolerate}.]
1. 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.

2. (Gram.) 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.
※ -- {Su`per*la"tive*ly}, adv. --
{Su`per*la"tive*ness}, n.