superlative

• Qui est d'une qualité ou d'un degré supérieur à tout autre ; se dit aussi de la forme grammaticale de l'adjectif ou de l'adverbe servant à exprimer le plus haut degré de comparaison entre trois éléments ou plus.

Describes something of the highest quality or degree; also refers to the grammatical form of an adjective used to compare three or more items.

1. Highest in qualityB2formal

   Of the highest quality, degree, or standard; excellent beyond compare.

   De qualité suprême

   • The chef prepared a superlative meal that delighted all the guests.
   • Her performance in the play was truly superlative.
   • The museum has a superlative collection of Renaissance art.

   Synonymesbestconsummateincomparablematchlesspeerlesssupremeunmatchedunsurpassed

   Antonymesinferiormediocrepoorsubstandard

• Nom désignant la forme grammaticale de l'adjectif ou de l'adverbe exprimant le degré le plus élevé, ainsi qu'une qualité ou une chose portée à son plus haut point, souvent dans un sens exagéré ou élogieux.

A noun referring to the highest degree or quality of something, often used to describe an exaggerated expression of praise or the highest stage of development, as well as the grammatical form of an adjective or adverb indicating the extreme degree.

1. Exaggerated expression of praiseC1formal

   An exaggerated or over-the-top expression of praise or admiration.

   éloge excessif

   • The critic's review was full of superlatives about the performance.
   • He spoke in superlatives when describing his new car.
   • Her speech was filled with superlatives for the retiring teacher.

   Synonymesaccoladeadulationcomplimentencomiumeulogyflatterypanegyricplauditpraiseravetribute

   Antonymescriticismdisparagementinsult

2. Highest degree or levelC1formal

   The highest level or degree attainable; the ultimate stage of development.

   Degré le plus élevé

   • The artist reached the superlative of his career with that masterpiece.
   • This achievement represents the superlative of human ingenuity.
   • The team performed at the superlative of their abilities.

   Synonymesacmeapexclimaxculminationheightpeakpinnaclesummitultimatezenith

   Antonymesminimumnadir

3. Grammatical formB2formal

   The superlative form of an adjective or adverb, used to indicate the highest degree of a quality.

   superlatif

   • 'Best' is the superlative of 'good'.
   • In the sentence 'She is the tallest', 'tallest' is a superlative.
   • The superlative of 'fast' is 'fastest'.