Superlativs

Superlatives are the grammatical forms used to express the highest degree of a quality within a defined set. They identify the extreme value of a property among three or more items, or within a subgroup.

In English, superlatives are formed in two main ways: by adding the suffix -est to short adjectives (tall, tallest; small, smallest) and by using the determiner the plus most or the most plus the adjective for longer words (the tallest, the most beautiful). Irregular forms exist, such as good → best, bad → worst, far → farthest. Adverbs follow related patterns (fastest, most quickly).

The definite article the is typically required before a superlative: She is the tallest student in the class. Superlatives are used to single out a member of a group or to indicate an extreme value in a context, often with a qualifying phrase such as in the class, among the five contestants, or within a set.

Other languages convey the same idea through different devices, such as inflection or periphrasis. German uses der/die/das beste or am besten; French uses le plus plus adjective; many languages employ suffixes or particles to mark the superlative. The concept also overlaps with synonyms such as maximum or utmost. Usage notes include avoiding overuse, ensuring the comparison set is defined, and recognizing irregular forms and regional variations.