superlative: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, everyday (when describing quality)
Quick answer
What does “superlative” mean?
Of the highest quality or degree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Of the highest quality or degree; surpassing all others.
In grammar, the form of an adjective or adverb expressing the highest degree (e.g., 'best', 'most quickly'); also used to describe something extremely good or excellent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The grammatical term is identical. In conversational praise, 'superlative' is somewhat more formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in British English in formal literary or theatrical criticism (e.g., 'a superlative performance'). In American English, 'outstanding' or 'excellent' may be more common in everyday praise.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual speech for both; higher in written, formal, and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “superlative” in a Sentence
superlative + noun (superlative athlete)verb + in + superlative terms (speak in superlative terms)be + superlative (the service was superlative)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “superlative” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This word is not commonly used as a verb.
American English
- This word is not commonly used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- He performed superlatively under immense pressure.
American English
- The team worked superlatively to meet the impossible deadline.
adjective
British English
- The chef received superlative reviews for his tasting menu.
American English
- She gave a superlative presentation that impressed the entire board.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing or performance reviews: 'The product is of superlative craftsmanship.'
Academic
Common in grammar studies and literary analysis: 'Analyse the superlative adjectives in the text.'
Everyday
For strong, often formal praise: 'We had a superlative meal at the new restaurant.'
Technical
Strictly grammatical: 'Form the superlative by adding '-est' or using 'most'.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “superlative”
- Using 'more' with a superlative form: 'the most happiest' (incorrect) vs. 'the happiest' (correct).
- Using the superlative for comparing only two items: 'She is the tallest of the two' (incorrect, should be comparative 'taller').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparative compares two things (e.g., taller, more interesting). Superlative compares three or more things, indicating the highest degree (e.g., tallest, most interesting).
Yes, in grammar it is a noun meaning the superlative form of a word (e.g., 'What is the superlative of 'bad'?').
Grammatically, no. Superlatives can express the lowest degree (e.g., worst, least interesting). In general use as an adjective, it almost always means 'extremely good'.
For one-syllable adjectives, add -est (fast -> fastest). For adjectives with two or more syllables, typically use 'most' (beautiful -> most beautiful). Some two-syllable adjectives can use either (e.g., clever -> cleverest / most clever).
Of the highest quality or degree.
Superlative is usually formal, academic, everyday (when describing quality) in register.
Superlative: in British English it is pronounced /suːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /sʊˈpɝː.lə.t̬ɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “speak in superlatives”
- “the superlative of praise”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPERlative – think SUPER, meaning above all others, the highest level.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS HEIGHT (the best is the highest point).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses the superlative?