Su`per*la"tive (?), a. [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, highest, most pleasant, least bright.

-- Su`per*la"tive*ly, adv. -- Su`per*la"tive*ness, n.

© [Webster 1913].

Su`per*la"tive, n.

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.

<-- #sic. there is no definition (b)! -->

[Absolute superlative], a superlative in an absolute rather than in a comparative or exclusive sense. See [Elative].

© [Webster 1913].

superlative (definition)