superlative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)
    • the critics lavished superlatives on it
  2. noun the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
    pinnacle; acme; top; height; summit; peak; elevation; tiptop; meridian.
    • his landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
    • the artist's gifts are at their acme
    • at the height of her career
    • the peak of perfection
    • summer was at its peak
    • ...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
    • the summit of his ambition
    • so many highest superlatives achieved by man
    • at the top of his profession
  3. noun the superlative form of an adjective or adverb
    superlative degree.
    • `fastest' is the superlative of the adjective `fast'
    • `least famous' is the superlative degree of the adjective `famous'
    • `most surely' is the superlative of the adverb `surely'
  4. adjective satellite highest in quality
    sterling; greatest.

WordNet

Su`per*la"tive adjective
Etymology
L. superlativus, fr. superlatus excessive, used as p.p. of superiorferre, but from a different root: cf. F. superlatif. See Elate, Tolerate.
Definitions
  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. -- Su`per*la"tive*ly, adv. -- Su`per*la"tive*ness, n.
Su`per*la"tive noun
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913