Superlative \Su`per*la"tive\, a. [L. superlativus, fr.
superlatus excessive, used as p. p. of superiorferre, but
from a different root: cf. F. superlatif. See Elate,
Tolerate.]
1. 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.
2. (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. -- Su`per*la"tive*ly, adv. --
Su`per*la"tive*ness, n.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Superlative \Su`per*la"tive\, n.
1. That which is highest or most eminent; the utmost degree.
2. (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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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