What is superlative? Pronunciation and usage in English

superlative means . Learn how to pronounce and use superlative through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of superlative

superlativeadjective

/suːˈpɜːlətɪv//suːˈpɜːrlətɪv/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "superlative." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • Sup - (like "sup" as in a drink)
  • er - (like "her")
  • la - (like "la" as in "llama")
  • tive - (like "tivy" – a slightly unusual sound)

2. Pronunciation Guide:

Here's a more detailed breakdown, with emphasis on each syllable:

  • /ˈsʊpərˌleɪtɪv

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈsʊp (first syllable) - The “sup” syllable is relatively straightforward.
  • er - say it as "er" as in "her"
  • la - Say it as "la" as in "llama"
  • tive - This is the tricky part. It's pronounced with a soft ‘t’ sound, and it ends with a vowel sound similar to the “tivy” sound in “kitty.” It’s a bit like "tivy" but slightly more drawn out.

3. Putting it all together (slowly):

Try saying it slowly, breaking it down syllable by syllable:

"Sup-er-la-tive"

4. Listen to examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced! Here are a few resources:

Key Tip for the "tive" part: Don't overemphasize the "t" sound in "tive". It should be a softer, more gliding sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using "superlative"?

Usage and examples with the word superlative in English

Let's break down how to use the word "superlative." It's a surprisingly common word, but it can be tricky to use correctly.

1. What does "Superlative" Mean?

"Superlative" refers to the highest degree of something. It describes something that is more than anything else of its kind. It's used to express the most extreme form of a quality.

2. Forming Superlatives:

  • Adjectives: To make a superlative adjective, you typically add "-est" to the adjective, and include "the" before it.
    • Example: "She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." (Beautiful becomes most beautiful)
    • Example: "Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world." (High becomes highest)
  • Irregular Forms: Some adjectives have irregular superlative forms. These need to be memorized.
    • Good becomes the best
    • Bad becomes the worst
    • Many becomes the most
    • Much becomes the most

3. Grammar and Usage - When to Use "Superlative"

  • As an Adjective: This is the most common use. You'll use it to describe something.

    • “This is a superlative performance!" (Meaning: a performance of the highest quality)
    • “He’s a superlative athlete.” (Meaning: a very outstanding athlete)

  • As a Noun: "Superlative" can also be used as a noun to refer to the quality of being the most extreme.

    • “The superlative quality of his artwork was its vibrancy.” (Meaning: the most striking quality was its bright colors.)
    • “The critic praised the film’s superlative cinematography.” (Meaning: the film’s cinematography was outstandingly excellent.)

4. Comparing Multiple Things - "Most" vs. "Superlative"

It's important to differentiate between using "most" and using "superlative."

  • "Most" is used for comparing multiple items to see which is the highest of a group.

    • “Which is most delicious – the cake or the pie?” (You're comparing the cake and pie to find the one that's the most delicious.)

  • "Superlative" is used for stating that something is absolutely the highest of its kind – there's nothing else quite like it.

    • “That concert was the superlative experience of my life!” (It wasn’t just good – it was the absolute best experience ever.)

5. Examples in Context

  • "The company's customer service is considered superlative." (Meaning: exceptional, the best.)
  • “He wrote a superlative essay on the topic.” (Meaning: exceptionally well-written)
  • “This is the superlative example of Renaissance art.” (Meaning: the most outstanding example.)
  • "Which is the superlative athlete of the decade?" (Comparing multiple athletes)

Resources for More Information:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific aspect (e.g., irregular superlatives)?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word superlative

Practice with vocabulary superlative

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. This new software is by far the _________ efficient tool we've ever implemented, significantly reducing processing time.
  2. Our primary objective is to enhance team collaboration _________ all departments to foster a more cohesive work environment.
  3. Among all the candidates, her detailed proposal was the _________ compelling, clearly outlining a robust strategy.
  4. The project deadline is rapidly approaching, so we must prioritize tasks _________ to ensure timely completion.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After reviewing all proposals, Proposal B presented _________ solution for our budget constraints. a) a cost-effective b) the most cost-effective c) more cost-effective d) very cost-effective
  2. The committee needs to _________ the long-term _________ of this policy on our operational costs. a) affect / effect b) effect / affect c) affect / affect d) effect / effect
  3. When presenting complex data, clarity is _________ important aspect to consider for audience comprehension. a) a less b) the least c) less d) the more
  4. Among all team members, Sarah communicates _________ in her reports, ensuring all stakeholders are well-informed. a) most clearly b) clearer c) more clear d) very clear
  5. The company aims to _________ its market share in the coming quarter by introducing innovative products. a) broaden b) expand c) increase d) all of the above

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. No other city in the region offers as many cultural events and historical landmarks as Rome.
    • Rewrite:
  2. The project team delivered an excellent presentation on their preliminary findings to the board.
    • Rewrite:
  3. Compared to all other available software solutions, this particular one has an exceptionally high level of user-friendliness.
    • Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. most
  2. across
  3. most
  4. accordingly

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) the most cost-effective
  2. a) affect / effect
  3. b) the least
  4. a) most clearly
  5. d) all of the above

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rome offers the most cultural events and historical landmarks in the region.
  2. The project team's presentation on their preliminary findings to the board was outstanding.
  3. This particular software solution is the most user-friendly of all available ones.

Comment ()