superlativeness

1 definition found

superlativeness - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Superlative \Su`per*la"tive\, a. [L. superlativus, fr.
     superlatus excessive, used as p. p. of superiorferre, but
     from a different root: cf. F. superlatif. See Elate,
     Tolerate.]
     1. Lifted up to the highest degree; most eminent; surpassing
        all other; supreme; as, superlative wisdom or prudence; a
        woman of superlative beauty; the superlative glory of the
        divine character.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Gram.) Expressing the highest or lowest degree of the
        quality, manner, etc., denoted by an adjective or an
        adverb. The superlative degree is formed from the positive
        by the use of -est, most, or least; as, highest, most
        pleasant, least bright.
        [1913 Webster] -- Su`per*la"tive*ly, adv. --
        Su`per*la"tive*ness, n.
        [1913 Webster]