superlative
suˈpɜrlətɪv
Definition Synonyms

Definition of superlative - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
peakthe highest degree or quality of something
  • Her performance was the superlative of the evening.
peak pinnacle
2.
linguisticsTECH.the form of an adjective showing the highest degreeTECH.
  • 'Tallest' is the superlative of 'tall'.
extreme ultimate

Adjective

1.
qualityof the highest quality or degree
  • Her superlative performance won her the award.
excellent outstanding
2.
linguisticsTECH.describing the highest degree in comparisons of adjectives or adverbsTECH.
  • The word 'fastest' is a superlative adjective.
extreme highest paramount
Add a suggestion |

Expressions with superlative

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
adjective or adverb form modified by 'most' or '-est'
The superlative degree shows the highest level of comparison in adjectives.

Origin of superlative

Latin, super (above) + latus (carried)

Terms with superlative included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
mostadv.
grammar
forms the superlative of many adjectives
superlative
used to show the highest degree of something
leastadj.
grammar
superlative of 'little' with mass nouns
superlative form
most loved or cherished
superlative emphasis
used to emphasize that something is the best or worst in history
superlative
used to show the highest degree of something
degree words
superlative form of sad, feeling misery or bringing grief
superlative
at the utmost level or extent possible

Examples of superlative in a sentence

  • In literature, his work is often seen as the superlative.
  • 'Fastest' is the superlative of 'fast'.
  • In English, superlatives often end in '-est'.
  • The superlative craftsmanship was evident in every detail.
  • Her superlative skills impressed all the judges.
  • 'Tallest' is another example of a superlative adjective.

View all translations of superlative

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:superlatif, exceptionnel, ...
  2. German:Superlativ, hervorragend, ...
  3. Italian:superlativo, eccellente, ...
  4. Spanish:superlativo, excelente, ...
  5. Portuguese:superlativo, superior, ...
  6. Chinese:极致, 卓越的, ...
  7. Japanese:最高峰, 最高の, ...
  8. Arabic:الأعلى, فَائِق, ...
  9. Hebrew:שִׂיא, מְעוּלֶה, ...
  10. Russian:высшая степень, превосходный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:найвищий ступінь, неперевершений, ...
  12. Hindi:श्रेष्ठता, उत्कृष्ट, ...

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery