superlative

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 Adjective 1.4.1 Translations 1.5 See also 2 Italian 2.1 Adjective

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English superlatyf from Old French superlatif from Late Latin superlātīvus from Latin superlātus (“‘extravagant, of hyperbole’”), past participle of superfero (“‘carry over’”) from super (“‘above’”) + fero (“‘bear, carry’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /suːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, /sjuːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, SAMPA: /su:"p3:(r).l@.tIv/
• (US) IPA: /suːˈpɝː.lə.tɪv/, /sjuːˈpɝː.lə.tɪv/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

superlative (plural superlatives)

1. The highest degree of something.
2. (grammar) The form of an adjective that expresses which of more than two items has the highest degree of the quality expressed by the adjective; in English, formed by appending "-est" to the end of the adjective (for some short adjectives only) or putting "most" before it.

   The superlative of "big" is "biggest"

3. (informal) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.

   Lincoln is amazing, wonderful, fantastic, and many other superlatives I can’t think of right now!

[edit] Synonyms

• (highest degree): acme, peak

[edit] Translations

[edit] Adjective

superlative (not comparable)

1. Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
2. (grammar) Of or relating to a superlative.

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• absolute
• comparative
• elative
• three degrees of comparison

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[edit] Italian

[edit] Adjective

superlative f.

1. Feminine plural form of superlativo