Superlative Degree of Comparison - Explore What It Is, Definition, Rules and Examples

In the English language, among the degrees of comparison, the superlative degree of comparison is the highest level of comparison. In this article, you will be introduced to the superlative degree of comparison, its meaning and definition, how the superlative degree of comparison can be used, and how it differs from the other two degrees of comparison. You can also check out the examples given in the article and try out the practice questions to check how far you have understood the topic.

Table of Contents

• What Is the Superlative Degree of Comparison? – Meaning and Definition
• Points to Be Remembered When Using the Superlative Degree of Comparison
• Examples of Superlative Degree of Comparison
• Check Your Understanding of Superlative Degree of Comparison
• Frequently Asked Questions on Superlative Degree of Comparison

What Is the Superlative Degree of Comparison? – Meaning and Definition

The superlative degree of comparison is mainly used to show which of the nouns in a particular context has the greatest or least degree of the quality mentioned. It is the highest degree of comparison and is used to compare three or more nouns or pronouns.

The superlative degree of comparison, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is defined as “the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses that the thing or person being described has more of the particular quality than anything or anyone else of the same type.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the superlative degree as one “relating to, or constituting the degree of grammatical comparison that denotes an extreme or unsurpassed level or extent.” According to the Collins Dictionary, “the superlative form of an adjective or adverb is the form that indicates that something has more of a quality than anything else in a group.”

Points to Be Remembered When Using the Superlative Degree of Comparison

• The superlative form is the second level of comparison and is formed by adding an ‘-est’ to the end of the adjective.
• The article ‘the’ precedes the superlative form of the adjective.
• For polysyllabic adjectives, you will have to use ‘the’, ‘most’ and the adjective in its original form.
• The superlative degree of comparison shows that one of the nouns has the highest or least degree of the quality mentioned in a particular context.

Examples of Superlative Degree of Comparison

Given below are a few examples of how the superlative degree of comparison can be used in sentences.

• This is the most beautiful movie I have ever seen.
• He is the shortest of all the students.
• My friend and I spoke for the longest time in years.
• The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world.
• F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is the most watched series.
• Binu is the most intelligent student in class.
• The smartphones are among the most useful technology that has been invented till date.
• Marley is the most talented singer in the group.
• Coimbatore is one of the busiest cities in the South of India.
• This is the hardest thing I have got to do so far.

Check Your Understanding of Superlative Degree of Comparison

Fill in the blanks with the right form of the superlative degree of comparison in the following sentences by using the adjectives given in brackets.

1. Who is ____________ (influential) politician?

2. Harish bought _____________ (costly) car in the market.

3. The performance of the Vocal Adrenaline is ___________ (daring) act I have ever witnessed.

4. Eashwar solved ____________ (difficult) problem in trigonometry.

5. It is not that easy to climb ____________ (high) peak in the world.

6. The girls were _________ (good) performers today.

7. I printed ____________ (large) number of flyers.

8. Indhu wore _______________ (pretty) dress to the party.

9. Kitty has _______________ (adorable) pet.

10. Anu is ______________ (clever) girl in class.

Here are the answers for the above exercise. Check out how far you have understood the superlative degree of comparison.

1. Who is the most influential politician?

2. Harish bought the costliest car in the market.

3. The performance of the Vocal Adrenaline is the most daring act I have ever witnessed.

4. Eashwar solved the most difficult problem in trigonometry.

5. It is not that easy to climb the highest peak in the world.

6. The girls were the best performers today.

7. I printed the largest number of flyers.

8. Indhu wore the prettiest dress to the party.

9. Kitty has the most adorable pet.

10. Anu is the cleverest girl in class.