From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishsuperlativesu‧per‧la‧tive1 /suːˈpɜːlətɪv, sjuː- $ sʊˈpɜːr-/ adjective 1 GOOD/EXCELLENTexcellent a superlative performance2 SLGa superlative adjective or adverb expresses the highest degree of a particular quality. For example, the superlative form of ‘tall’ is ‘tallest’. → comparative
Examples from the Corpus
superlative• For the first time in the season, Gergiev is fielding the cast initially promised, and the singing is superlative.• The playing is superlative, but the real triumph is the warm and expansive atmosphere which pervades the album.• And would his sisters envy her superlative looks?• At first glance, Wilson should have been a superlative practitioner of Cabinet government.• Hadrian Road was named after the Roman emperor who, we agreed, must have genetically bequeathed to us some superlative qualities.• superlative special effects• L'Esquire prides itself on its superlative standards of service and relaxed atmosphere.• Experience the atmosphere and feelings that are yours when you own and sail the superlative Swan 46.• Nineteen-thirties bay windows pushed out of two of the walls and there was a superlative view of Keele harbour from the front one.superlativesuperlative2 noun 1 → the superlative2 [countable]SL a word that shows that you think someone or something is very good an actress who deserves superlativesExamples from the Corpus
superlative• Clichés and superlatives are rampant in the log that I kept on the trip.• "Ulee's Gold" has earned superlatives from critics wherever it has played.• The most difficult thing when writing about Milton is to find enough superlatives to describe him.• What is there to think about on such a day, apart from superlatives?• The papers screamed superlatives, and La Scala, sulking after a resounding flop with Don Carlos, scowled and spat.• Ireland's pack rightfully deserves all the superlatives.• Does anyone think these superlatives were casually earned?• A huge lifting crane that hefted cylinders of red-hot steel and moved them around the mill invited whispered superlatives.Origin superlative1 (1300-1400) Old French superlatif, from Late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus, past participle of superferre “to carry above, raise high” 