Superlatives are adjectives used to compare things in terms of degree or quality. Superlatives typically compare one thing to another thing, or one thing to all other similar things. The suffix “ est” is used at the end of an adjective to compare one thing to all other things in the same category. Note the use of the article “the”:
“Frank is tall.”
“Frank is taller than John.”
“Frank is the tallest person in school.”
“Sarah is kind.”
“Sarah is kinder than Mary.”
“Sarah is the kindest person I know.”
For adjectives with more than two syllables, “more” and “most” are used instead of “-er” and “ est”:
“Boxing is dangerous.”
“Boxing is more dangerous than golf.”
“Boxing is the most dangerous sport of all.”
Irregular superlatives, such as “good” and “best,” “bad” and “worst” are used without modification:
“Tom Hanks is a good actor.”
“Tom Hanks is the best actor in Hollywood.”
Natural superlatives are adjectives that are always superlative. They describe a degree or quality which is always at its maximum and cannot be made stronger:
“The dinner was excellent.”
“The performance was perfect.”