superlative
发音
How to pronounce superlative in British English:
英 [suˈpɜ:lətɪv]
How to pronounce superlative in American English:
美 [suˈpɜrlətɪv]
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- Noun:
- an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)
- the highest level or degree attainable
- the superlative form of an adjective
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- Adjective:
- highest in quality
单词词源
- superlative (adj.)
- late 14c., from Old French superlatif "absolute, highest; powerful; best" (13c.) and directly from Late Latin superlativus "extravagant, exaggerated, hyperbolic," from Latin superlatus "exaggerated" (used as past participle of superferre "carry over or beyond"), from super "beyond" (see super-) + lat- "carry," from *tlat-, past participle stem of tollere "to take away" (see extol). Related: Superlatively; superlativeness. The noun is attested from 1520s, originally in the grammatical sense, "a word in the superlative;" hence "exaggerated language" (1590s).
双语例句
- 1. This traditional temple in honor of the goddess of the sea , is in superlative condition due to a number of well-funded renovations over the years .
- 2. Nikolai pokhilenko , the head of the geological and mineralogical institute in novosibirsk , told the reporters monday that the diamonds include other molecular forms of carbon . He said they could be twice as hard as conventional diamonds and therefore have superlative industrial qualities .
- 3. But the better a news organization does its job in solid or superlative ways , the more important it may be to let the audience in on the hows and whys .