Superlative Meaning
/suːˈpɜːlətɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjHaving the power to carry something or someone above, over or beyond others.
adjExceptionally good; of the highest quality.
Sentence Examples
Harun's review was brimming with superlative adjectives.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The critic gave the film a ____ review, calling it the best he had ever seen.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The critic used ____ adjectives to describe the actor's performance, calling it the best of the decade today.
Word Origin & History
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”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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; […].”"
— 1894, Alexander Begg, History of British Columbia, page 509:
"A twist is accordingly something especially good, and a big twist is the superlative of excellence."
— 1966, Sidney John Baker, The Australian language:
"Sometimes it feels like there are no more superlatives left. Seriously, what else can be said about this little guy with the No 10 shirt and magic in his feet other than to ask, perhaps, whether there is anyone who wants to persist with the argument that Pelé, or Diego Maradona, or any of the others, have ever played this sport any better?"
— 2019 May 1, Daniel Taylor, The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The critic gave the film a ____ review, calling it the best he had ever seen.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The critic used ____ adjectives to describe the actor's performance, calling it the best of the decade today.