superlative

What it means

1. literallynot comparableHaving the power to carry something or someone above, over or beyond others.
2. figurativelynot comparableExceptionally good; of the highest quality.

   The Governor-General was entertaining at a civil banquet in the evening. He is reported as having made a “superlative speech, congratulating the Victorians on their loyalty; […].”

   1894, Alexander Begg, History of British Columbia, page 509

   Synonyms: above and beyond, exceptional, fabulous, extraordinary, superb

3. not comparablegrammarOf or relating to the superlative degree (a degree of comparison of adjectives and adverbs).

In a sentence

The Governor-General was entertaining at a civil banquet in the evening. He is reported as having made a “superlative speech, congratulating the Victorians on their loyalty; […].”

1894, Alexander Begg, History of British Columbia, page 509

Where it comes from

1. Latinsuperlātus“carried above, over; extravagant, of hyperbole”
2. Late Latinsuperlātīvus
3. Old Frenchsuperlatif
4. Middle Englishsuperlatyf
5. Englishsuperlative

From Middle English superlatyf, from Old French superlatif, from Late Latin superlātīvus, from Latin superlātus (“carried above, over; extravagant, of hyperbole”), past participle of superfero (“carry over”), from super (“above”) + fero (“bear, carry”).