I. su̇-ˈpər-lə-tiv adjective
Etymology: Middle English superlatif, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus (past participle 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
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : the superlative degree of comparison in a language
b. : a superlative form of an adjective or adverb
2. : the superlative or utmost degree of something : acme
3. : a superlative person or thing
4. : an admiring sometimes exaggerated expression especially of praise