Definition of best
(Entry 1 of 6)
superlative of good
best
adverbDefinition of best (Entry 2 of 6)
superlative of well
1
: in the best (see best entry 1) way : to greatest advantage
Some things are best left unsaid.
2
: most
Those best able will provide needed support.
as best
: as well, skillfully, or accurately as
Try to do it as best you can.
best
noun
plural best
Definition of best (Entry 3 of 6)
1
: the best (see best entry 1) state or part
You haven't heard the best of it.
2
: one that is best
the best falls short saved the best for last
3
: the greatest degree of good or excellence
He's at his best in front of a live audience. democracy at its best
4a
: one's maximum effort
do your best
b
: a best performance or achievement
ran a new personal best
5
: best clothes
wearing their Sunday best
at best
get the best of
: under the most favorable circumstances
won't be finished for another three months at best At best, you will earn back what you paid in. He's an average writer at best. … was among the worst schools in a city whose public education could be described as struggling, at best.— Ann Carrns
: to overcome or outdo (someone or something) : to get the better of
The hero got the best of the villain in the end. I let my emotions get the best of me and said something I regret. Let's face it: As much as we like to eat healthy, the old sweet tooth sometimes gets the best of us.— Denise I. O'Neal
best
verb
bested; besting; bests
Definition of best (Entry 4 of 6)
best
auxiliary verbDefinition of best (Entry 5 of 6)
: had best (see best entry 2 sense 1)
you best listen
Best
biographical nameDefinition of Best (Entry 6 of 6)
Charles Herbert 1899–1978 Canadian (American-born) physiologist
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Time Traveler for best
The first known use of best was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century