superlative

In grammar, the superlative degree expresses the highest quality among three or more items. In English, it can function as an adjective or an adverb and is typically marked with the definite article the before the form, or with the determiner most in front of the adjective or adverb.

For one-syllable adjectives, the superlative is usually formed by adding -est, as in tall → the tallest or small → the smallest. For longer adjectives, most is used, as in beautiful → the most beautiful or interesting → the most interesting. Spelling adjustments may occur, such as dropping a final e or doubling a consonant when forming the endings.

Irregular forms exist as well: good → best, bad → worst, far → farthest or furthest, little → least, many/much → most. For adverbs, the same general pattern applies to short adverbs (fast → fastest) and longer adverbs (carefully → most carefully). The adverb form of well uses the irregular best (She sings best).

Usage notes: the superlative compares three or more entities. It is typically preceded by the definite article the (the tallest, the most interesting). A relative clause or an of-phrase can specify the set, as in the tallest of the three or the most important of all. The term superlative can also refer to the grammatical form itself, or to the highest degree of a quality in general.