Main Entry: ¹su·per·la·tive

Pronunciation: \su̇-ˈpər-lə-tiv\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English superlatif, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus (past participle of superferre to carry over, raise high), from super- + latus, past participle of ferre to carry — more at tolerate, bear

Date: 14th century

1 : of, relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes an extreme or unsurpassed level or extent
2 a : surpassing all others : supreme b : of very high quality : excellent <superlative work>
3 : excessive, exaggerated

— su·per·la·tive·ly adverb

— su·per·la·tive·ness noun