How Do You Spell SUPERLATIVE?

Pronunciation: [suːpˈɜːlətˌɪv] (IPA)

The word "superlative" is spelled with an "e" after the "l," which may seem unusual. However, this is because the "l" is followed by a vowel in the next syllable, making it a "syllabic l" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /suːˈpɜːlətɪv/ with the stress on the second syllable. The word describes the highest degree or quality of something, and is often used in comparisons such as "the best" or "the most."

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
Basic Check Advanced Check

SUPERLATIVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Superlative is an adjective that denotes the highest degree or quality of something, often implying that it surpasses all others in a particular category. It characterizes an entity or attribute as the utmost or extreme in its class, highlighting an exceptional or outstanding feature. The term superlative originates from the Latin word "superlatus," which means "carried beyond."

    In its proper usage, superlative compares three or more items or individuals, indicating that one stands supreme above the rest. It is employed to express excellence, superiority, or the maximum degree attained in a specific criterion. For instance, in the sentence "She is the smartest student in her class," the term superlative emphasizes that the named student has the highest level of intelligence among all her classmates.

    Furthermore, the superlative form can be utilized as a noun in the context of grammar. As such, it refers to the highest or most extreme degree in terms of comparison, representing superiority or inferiority. In English, superlatives often end in "-est" when comparing two or more entities, as in "tallest," "smallest," or "most beautiful."

    In summary, superlative serves as an adjective that characterizes the utmost or ultimate quality of something or someone, indicating its superiority or excellence compared to others in the same category. It is a crucial linguistic concept both as an adjective and a noun, helping to express and differentiate the highest degree of a property or characteristic.

  2. • Surpassing all others; most eminent; in gram., expressing the highest degree in the quality of adjectives or adverbs.
    • A word in the superlative degree.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SUPERLATIVE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SUPERLATIVE

Etymology of SUPERLATIVE

The word "superlative" originated from the Latin word "superlativus", which is derived from the word "superlatus". "Superlatus" combines the prefix "super" (meaning "above" or "beyond") with the past participle form of the verb "ferre" (meaning "to carry" or "to bear"). Therefore, the etymology reflects the idea of something that is carried or taken to the highest degree or extreme. This reflects the meaning of "superlative" as the highest or most extreme form of something.

Similar spelling words for SUPERLATIVE

Plural form of SUPERLATIVE is SUPERLATIVES

Infographic

Correct spelling for superlative
Add the infographic to your website: