översta

Översta is a Swedish adjective meaning topmost or uppermost. It is used to denote the highest or foremost position within a set, a spatial location, or a ranking. The form översta is the definite superlative of the adjective övre, and it is commonly found in phrases describing the uppermost part of something, such as översta våningen (the top floor) or översta raden (the top row). In these constructions, översta modifies a noun and agrees with its gender and number, just like other adjectives in Swedish.

Etymology and form: översta is formed from övre, meaning upper, with the superlative suffix -sta. This combination yields a definite, superlative meaning that emphasizes the highest position in a sequence or structure. The word can function both in literal spatial sense and in figurative contexts, such as describing the highest rank or degree in a hierarchy.

Usage: The word is common in everyday Swedish, spanning architectural, organizational, and geographic contexts. Examples include directions or descriptions of locations (top floor, top edge) and rankings (top position in a list or competition). In writing, översta is typically capitalized only when used as part of a proper noun or at the beginning of a sentence.

See also: övre, högsta, överst. The term is closely related to other superlatives describing relative height or importance, and it is used across formal and informal registers in Swedish.