Pronunciation: su ̇ - ' p ə r-l ə -tiv
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English superlatif, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus (pp. of superferre to carry over, raise high), from super- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry ― more at TOLERATE , BEAR
Date: 14th century
1 : of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes an extreme or unsurpassed level or extent
2 a : surpassing all others : SUPREME b : of very high quality : EXCELLENT < superlative work>
3 : EXCESSIVE , EXAGGERATED
– su · per · la · tive · ly adverb
– su · per · la · tive · ness noun