GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Superlative , a. [L. superlativus, fr. superlatus excessive, used as p. p. of superiorferre, but from a different root: cf. F. superlatif. See Elate, Tolerate.]
   Lifted up to the highest degree; most eminent; surpassing all other; supreme; as, superlative wisdom or prudence; a woman of superlative beauty; the superlative glory of the divine character.
   1913 Webster
   (Gram.) Expressing the highest or lowest degree of the quality, manner, etc., denoted by an adjective or an adverb. The superlative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -est, most, or least; as, highest, most pleasant, least bright.
   1913 Webster
   -- Su`per*la"tive*ly, adv. -- Su`per*la"tive*ness, n.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Superlative, n.
   That which is highest or most eminent; the utmost degree.
   1913 Webster
   (Gram.) (a) The superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, a form or word by which the superlative degree is expressed; as, strongest, wisest, most stormy, least windy, are all superlatives.
   1913 Webster
   Absolute superlative, a superlative in an absolute rather than in a comparative or exclusive sense. See Elative.
   1913 Webster