If you describe something as superlative, you mean that it is extremely good.
Some superlative cheeses are made in this region.
The Regent hotel has a superlative view of Hong Kong island.
Synonyms: supreme, excellent, outstanding, highest More Synonyms of superlative
superlativelyadverb
The Philharmonia played this staggeringly difficult music superlatively well.
2. countable noun [usually plural]
If someone uses superlatives to describe something, they use adjectives and expressions which indicate that it is extremely good.
...a spectacle which has critics world-wide reaching for superlatives.
3. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
In grammar, the superlative form of an adjective or adverb is the form that indicates that something has moreof a quality than anything else in a group. For example, 'biggest' is the superlative form of 'big'. Compare comparative.
Superlative is also a noun.
...his tendency towards superlatives and exaggeration.
English Easy Learning GrammarComparisonThe comparative form of an adjective is commonly used to compare two people, things,or states, when you want to say that one thing has a larger or smaller ... Read more
superlative in British English
(suːˈpɜːlətɪv)
adjective
1.
of outstanding quality, degree, etc; supreme
2. grammar
denoting the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest or a very high degree of quality. In English the superlative degree is usually marked by the suffix -est or the word most, as in loudest or most loudly
a thing that excels all others or is of the highest quality
5. grammar
the superlative form of an adjective
6.
the highest degree; peak
Derived forms
superlatively (suˈperlatively)
adverb
superlativeness (suˈperlativeness)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Old French superlatif, via Late Latin from Latin superlātus extravagant, from superferre to carry beyond, from super- + ferre to bear
superlative in American English
(səˈpɜrlətɪv; suˈpɜrlətɪv)
adjective
1.
superior to or excelling all other or others; of the highest kind, quality, degree, etc.; supreme
2.
excessive or exaggerated
3. Grammar
designating or of the extreme degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs; expressing the greatest degree of the quality or attribute expressed by the positive degree: usually indicated by the suffix -est (hardest) or by the use of most with the positive form (most beautiful)
noun
4.
the highest or utmost degree; acme; height; peak
5.
something superlative
6. Grammar
a.
the superlative degree
b.
a word or form in this degree
Derived forms
superlatively (suˈperlatively)
adverb
superlativeness (suˈperlativeness)
noun
Word origin
ME < MFr superlatif < LL superlativus < L superlatus, excessive < super-, above, beyond + latus, pp. of ferre, to bear1
Examples of 'superlative' in a sentence
superlative
The playfulness and the superlative performances seemed inextricably linked.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This superlative series ends tonight, and it has chilling implications for the future.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The second series of this superlative Danish drama ends tonight.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It's a minor point for two such superlative performances.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This superlative series is back.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He is in superlative form.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Accordingly from today and continuing during the coming week I shall be giving further instructive examples of superlative endgame performance.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
What a sensational day and what a superlative performance from England's bowling attack.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
All the performances are superlative - although Blunt is more scary than vulnerable.
The Sun (2006)
He just is not ready to share such happiness with the rest of the world, but on this superlative form that time may well come.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They offer fried fish, ice-cold beer and superlative views of the ocean.
The Sun (2013)
In other languages
superlative
British English: superlative ADJECTIVE
If you describe something as superlative, you mean that it is extremely good.
The four actors give superlative performances.
American English: superlative
Brazilian Portuguese: superlativo
Chinese: 极好的
European Spanish: excepcional
French: exceptionnel
German: überragend
Italian: eccellente
Japanese: 最高の
Korean: 최상의
European Portuguese: superlativo
Latin American Spanish: excepcional
British English: superlative NOUN
If someone uses superlatives to describe something, they use adjectives and expressions which indicate that it is extremely good.
...a spectacle which has critics world-wide reaching for superlatives.
American English: superlative
Brazilian Portuguese: superlativo
Chinese: 极致
European Spanish: superlativo
French: superlatif
German: Superlativ
Italian: termini entusiastici
Japanese: 最上級
Korean: 최상급
European Portuguese: superlativo
Latin American Spanish: superlativo
(adjective)
Definition
the superlative form of an adjective or adverb
Some superlative wines are made in this region.
Synonyms
supreme
The group conspired to seize supreme power.
excellent
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
outstanding
an outstanding tennis player
highest
greatest
crack (slang)
magnificent
a magnificent country house in wooded grounds
surpassing
The flower has large, hanging blooms of surpassing beauty.
consummate
stellar (informal)
unparalleled
His book was an unparalleled success.
transcendent
the idea of a transcendent God who stood apart from mankind
unrivalled
He had an unrivalled knowledge of south Arabian society.
peerless
a peerless German soprano
unsurpassed
The quality of Smallbone furniture is unsurpassed.
matchless
His simplicity and apparent ease are matchless.
of the highest order
of the first water
Opposites
poor
,
average
,
ordinary
,
inferior
,
appalling
,
dreadful
,
rotten
,
abysmal
,
run-of-the-mill
,
undistinguished
,
uninspired
,
unspectacular
,
unexceptional
,
easily outclassed
Additional synonyms
in the sense of excellent
Definition
exceptionally good
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
Synonyms
outstanding,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
prime,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
cool (informal),
select,
brilliant,
very good,
cracking (British, informal),
crucial (slang),
mean (slang),
superb,
distinguished,
fantastic (informal),
magnificent,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
marvellous,
exceptional,
terrific (informal),
splendid,
notable,
mega (slang),
topping (British, slang),
sovereign,
dope (slang),
sick (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
exemplary,
wicked (slang),
first-rate,
def (slang),
superlative,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
nang (British, slang),
pre-eminent,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
bodacious (slang, US),
boffo (slang),
the dog's bollocks (taboo, slang),
jim-dandy (slang),
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang),
bakgat (South Africa)
in the sense of magnificent
Definition
splendid or impressive in appearance
a magnificent country house in wooded grounds
Synonyms
splendid,
striking,
grand,
impressive,
august,
rich,
princely,
imposing,
elegant,
divine (informal),
glorious,
noble,
gorgeous,
lavish,
elevated,
luxurious,
majestic,
regal,
stately,
sublime,
sumptuous,
grandiose,
exalted,
opulent,
transcendent,
resplendent,
splendiferous (facetious)
in the sense of matchless
Definition
unequalled
His simplicity and apparent ease are matchless.
Synonyms
unequalled,
unique,
unparalleled,
unrivalled,
perfect,
supreme,
exquisite,
consummate,
superlative,
inimitable,
incomparable,
unmatched,
peerless,
unsurpassed
Nearby words of
superlative
superintendent
superior
superiority
superlative
supermarket
supernatural
supernumerary
Synonyms of 'superlative'
superlative
Explore 'superlative' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of outstanding
Definition
very good
an outstanding tennis player
Synonyms
excellent,
good,
great (informal),
important,
special,
fine,
noted,
champion,
celebrated,
brilliant,
impressive,
superb,
distinguished,
well-known,
prominent,
superior,
first-class,
exceptional,
notable,
world-class,
exquisite,
admirable,
eminent,
exemplary,
first-rate,
stellar (informal),
superlative,
top-notch (informal),
mean (slang),
sick (slang),
pre-eminent,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
A1 or A-one (informal),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of peerless
Definition
having no equals
a peerless German soprano
Synonyms
unequalled,
excellent,
unique,
outstanding,
unparalleled,
superlative,
unrivalled,
second to none,
incomparable,
unmatched,
unsurpassed,
matchless,
beyond compare,
nonpareil
in the sense of surpassing
The flower has large, hanging blooms of surpassing beauty.
Synonyms
supreme,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
exceptional,
rare,
phenomenal,
stellar (informal),
transcendent,
unrivalled,
incomparable,
matchless
in the sense of transcendent
Definition
above or beyond what is expected or normal
the idea of a transcendent God who stood apart from mankind
Synonyms
unparalleled,
unique,
extraordinary,
superior,
exceeding,
sublime,
consummate,
unrivalled,
second to none,
pre-eminent,
transcendental,
incomparable,
peerless,
unequalled,
matchless
in the sense of unparalleled
Definition
not equalled
His book was an unparalleled success.
Synonyms
unequalled,
exceptional,
unprecedented,
rare,
unique,
singular,
consummate,
superlative,
unrivalled,
incomparable,
unmatched,
peerless,
unsurpassed,
matchless,
beyond compare,
without equal
in the sense of unrivalled
Definition
having no equal
He had an unrivalled knowledge of south Arabian society.
Synonyms
unparalleled,
incomparable,
unsurpassed,
supreme,
unmatched,
peerless,
unequalled,
matchless,
beyond compare,
without equal,
nonpareil,
unexcelled
in the sense of unsurpassed
Definition
better or greater than anything else of its kind
The quality of Smallbone furniture is unsurpassed.