superl.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Grammar and Dictionary
| Stands for | Superlative |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
superl. stands for Superlative, a grammar and dictionary abbreviation.
Labels the superlative form of an adjective or adverb, which picks out the extreme member of a group, such as "tallest," "best" or "most useful."
Example: bad (adj.) compar. worse; superl. worst: "the worst storm in a decade"
Usage notes
The superlative is normally used when comparing three or more items; "the best of two" is common in speech but criticized in formal writing. Irregular sets such as good-better-best come from different Old English roots, a phenomenon linguists call suppletion. As an ordinary adjective, "superlative" simply means excellent.