superlative

 
Pronunciation: /suːˈpəːlətɪv, sjuː-/

adjective

  • 1of the highest quality or degree: a superlative piece of skill
  • 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

  • 1 Grammar a superlative adjective or adverb.
  • (the superlative) the highest degree of comparison.
  • 2 (usually superlatives) an exaggerated or hyperbolical expression of praise: the critics ran out of superlatives to describe him

Derivatives

superlatively

adverb
[as submodifier]: he was superlatively fit

superlativeness

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French superlatif, -ive, from late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus 'carried beyond', past participle of superferre

Grammar

Many adjectives can have three forms:

absolute comparative superlative
smallsmallersmallest
attractivemore attractivemost attractive
The comparative form is used when comparing two items; the superlative is used when there are more than two: She is smaller than her brother. (comparative) The smallest of the three specialist colleges, it has just over 150 full-time students, of whom about half come from Wales. (superlative) The superlative is formed in different ways according to the length of the base adjective. If it has one syllable, then the letters -est are added. If the word has three syllables or more then the word most is placed before the adjective: most attractive. Words of two syllables vary: some add -est and some use most. Some even do either, for example clever.Spelling: adding -est If the word ends in a consonant, add -est (quick becomes quickest). Words of one syllable with a short vowel sound and ending with a single consonant, double the consonant and add -est (sad becomes saddest). With words of one syllable ending in ‘l’, you normally do not double the ‘l’, but cruel becomes cruellest. If it ends in ‘e’, add -st (late becomes latest). If it ends in ‘y’, change the ‘y’ to an ‘i’ and add -est (happy becomes happiest).Classifying adjectivesSome adjectives are used to place nouns into groups or categories, for example nuclear and annual. Adjectives of this type do not have a comparative or superlative form. You cannot talk about a more nuclear power station or the most annual concert.