| 释义 |
su·per·la·tive
I. \səˈpərləd.]iv, süˈp-, -pə̄l-, -pəil-, -lət]\ adjective
Etymology: Middle English superlatif, from Middle French, from Late Latin superlativus, from Latin superlatus — suppletive past participle of superferre to carry over, raise high — (from super- + latus, suppletive past participle of ferre to bear, carry) + -ivus -ive — more at bear, tolerate
1. : belonging to or constituting the degree of comparison that is usually expressed in English by placing most before an adjective (as most beneficial) or adverb (as most fully) or by suffixing -est to it (as oldest, soonest) and that typically denotes an unsurpassed or extreme level of the quality, quantity, or relation expressed by the adjective or adverb
< the superlative degree >
< the irregular superlative forms farthest and worst >
— compare comparison 3, comparative 1, positive 2a
2. : most eminent of its kind : superior to the highest degree : having no peers : surpassing all others : supreme
< the protection and preservation of superlative scenery — Chronica Botanica >
< men of superlative talent and character — C.S.Forester >
3. : exaggerated, excessive
• su·per·la·tive·ly \]ə̇vlē, -li\ adverb
• su·per·la·tive·ness \]ivnə̇s\ noun -es
II. noun
(-s)
1.
a. : the superlative degree of comparison in a language
b. : a superlative form of an adjective or adverb
2. : the superlative or utmost degree of something : peak, acme
< so many highest superlatives achieved by man — Thomas Carlyle >
3. : a superlative person or thing : something that is superlative or of the utmost degree in its kind
4. : an exaggerated expression especially of praise
< he spoke in superlatives — C.B.Kelland > |