/ suˈpɜːlətɪv; sjuː-; NAmE suːˈpɜːrl-/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
excellent
SYN first-rate :
a superlative performance
2.
( grammar ) relating to adjectives or adverbs that express the highest degree of sth, for example best, worst, slowest and most difficult
—compare comparative
► su·per·la·tive·ly adverb
■ noun
( grammar ) the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of sth :
It's hard to find enough superlatives to describe this book.
—compare comparative
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French superlatif , -ive , from late Latin superlativus , from Latin superlatus carried beyond, past participle of superferre .