What does "superlative" mean?
The extreme (e.g. highest, lowest, deepest, farthest, etc) extent or degree of something.
Superlative
/suːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The extreme (e.g. highest, lowest, deepest, farthest, etc) extent or degree of something.
- Grammar: superlative is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: absolute, accomplished, ace, acme.
- Useful contrasts: average, base form, comparative.
- Usage evidence: There is in all men a demand for the superlative, so much so that the poor devil who has no other way of reaching it attains it by getting drunk.
How to use "superlative"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "superlative" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "superlative" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "superlative" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "superlative" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "superlative" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "absolute" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "superlative", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The extreme (e.g. highest, lowest, deepest, farthest, etc) extent or degree of something.
"A twist is accordingly something especially good, and a big twist is the superlative of excellence."
- 2 the superlative form of an adjective or adverb wordnet
- 3 The degree of comparison of an adjective or adverb used when comparing three or more entities in terms of a certain property or a certain way of doing something. In English, the superlative of superiority is formed by adding the suffix -est or the word most (e.g. tiniest, most fully); the superlative of inferiority, by adding the word least (e.g. least big, least fully).
- 4 an exaggerated expression (usually of praise) wordnet
- 5 An adjective or adverb in the superlative degree.
"Daniel is amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and many other superlatives I can’t think of right now!"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Having the power to carry something or someone above, over or beyond others. literally, not-comparable
- 2 Exceptionally good; of the highest quality. figuratively, not-comparable
"The Governor-General was entertaining at a civil banquet in the evening. He is reported as having made a “superlative speech, congratulating the Victorians on their loyalty; […].”"
- 3 Of or relating to the superlative degree (a degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs). not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 highest in quality wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"There is in all men a demand for the superlative, so much so that the poor devil who has no other way of reaching it attains it by getting drunk."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "superlative"?
Common synonyms include: absolute, accomplished, ace, acme, aerial, aggrandized.
How do you use "superlative" in a sentence?
There is in all men a demand for the superlative, so much so that the poor devil who has no other way of reaching it attains it by getting drunk.
How do you pronounce "superlative"?
Pronounced /suːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/.
Etymology
From Middle English superlatyf, from Old French superlatif, from Late Latin superlātīvus, from Latin superlātus (“carried above, over; extravagant, of hyperbole”), past participle of superfero (“carry over”), from super (“above”) + fero (“bear, carry”).