SUPERLATIVE • FREE-TRANSLATOR.COM • Definition of Superlative

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/sʊpˈərlətɪv/ Listen

adjective

Superlative adj.

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.

noun

Superlative 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.

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Etymology of 'Superlative'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Superlative" Quotes from Famous Books

... with surprise, almost with horror, that he listened for the first time to the superlative Imperialism of the Protestant Unionist party when he attended the prayer-meeting to which he had been invited. The room was well filled with students, who joined heartily in the singing of 'Onward, Christian soldiers,' ...

— Hyacinth - 1906 • George A. Birmingham

... and was so near discovering herself to May Hettly, by betraying her acquaintance with the celebrated receipt for Dunlop cheese, that she compared herself to Bedreddin Hassan, whom the vizier, his father-in-law, discovered by his superlative skill in composing cream-tarts with pepper in them. But when the novelty of such avocations ceased to amuse her, she showed to her sister but too plainly, that the gaudy colouring with which she veiled her unhappiness afforded as little ...

— The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Complete, Illustrated • Sir Walter Scott

... is nothing less than atrocious; and, in our judgment, the Adapter's actual purpose in putting it forth is to make his own superlative goodness seem proved ...

— Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 15, July 9, 1870 • Various

... late, and lengthened out by the greater lateness of many of the guests, and the superlative tardiness of the lady of the house, who had repudiated the cares of the hostess, and left the tea-equipage to her sister-in-law. Lucilla had been down-stairs among the first, and hurried away again after a rapid meal, forbidding ...

— Hopes and Fears - scenes from the life of a spinster • Charlotte M. Yonge

... of her part against her will; she began by making a curious attempt, due to her ignorance. She fancied, as children do, that being imprisoned meant the same thing as solitary confinement. But this is the superlative degree of imprisonment, and that superlative is the privilege of ...

— Cousin Betty • Honore de Balzac

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