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 extent2 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