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Webster 1913 Edition

Superlative

Suˊper-la′tive

,
Adj.
[L.
superlativus
, fr.
superlatus
excessive, used as p. p. of
superiorferre
, but from a different root: cf. F.
superlatif
. See
Elate
,
Tolerate
.]
1.
Lifted up to the highest degree; most eminent; surpassing all other; supreme;
as,
superlative
wisdom or prudence; a woman of
superlative
beauty; the
superlative
glory of the divine character.
2.
(Gram.)
Expressing the highest or lowest degree of the quality, manner, etc., denoted by an adjective or an adverb. The superlative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -est, most, or least;
as, high
est
,
most
pleasant,
least
bright
.
–
Suˊper-la′tive-ly
,
adv.
–
Suˊper-la′tive-ness
,
Noun.

Suˊper-la′tive

,
Noun.
1.
That which is highest or most eminent; the utmost degree.
2.
(Gram.)
(a)
The superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, a form or word by which the superlative degree is expressed;
as,
strongest
,
wisest
,
most stormy
,
least windy
, are all
superlatives
.
Absolute superlative
,
a superlative in an absolute rather than in a comparative or exclusive sense. See
Elative
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Superlative

SUPER'LATIVE

,
Adj.
[L. superlativus; super and latio, latus, fero.]
1.
Highest in degree; most eminent; surpassing all other; as a man of superlative wisdom or prudence, of superlative worth; a woman of superlative beauty.
2.
Supreme; as the superlative glory of the divine character.
3.
In grammar, expressing the highest or utmost degree; as the superlative degree of comparison.

SUPER'LATIVE

,
Noun.
In grammar,the superlative degree of adjectives, which is formed by the termination est, as meanest, highest, bravest; or by the use of most, as most high, most brave; or by least, as least amiable.

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