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Best Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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best

[best ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

superlative form

of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality

Synonyms

finest, optimal, premium, superlative, top.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
best

Used to describe something or someone that is better than all others.

  • She is the best student in our class.
  • This is the best pizza I have ever tasted.
finest

Often used to describe the highest quality of craftsmanship or material.

  • He wore a suit made of the finest silk.
  • This restaurant serves the finest French cuisine.
top

Commonly used in informal contexts to indicate the highest ranking or quality in a list or category.

  • He is one of the top athletes in the country.
  • This is a top-rated movie on the streaming platform.
premium

Refers to high-end products or services that come at a higher cost.

  • This car brand is known for its premium models.
  • He subscribes to a premium streaming service for more features.
superlative

Often used in literary or formal contexts to describe something as the highest degree of quality or performance.

  • Her performance in the play was superlative.
  • The hotel is known for its superlative service.
optimal

Used in technical or scientific contexts to describe the most efficient or effective solution.

  • The engineer designed an optimal system for water distribution.
  • We need to find the optimal route to reduce travel time.

Examples of usage

  • This is the best movie I've ever seen.
  • She is the best student in the class.
  • He is the best player on the team.
  • That was the best concert I've been to.
  • This is the best chocolate cake I've ever tasted.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, being the 'best' is celebrated through awards and competitions, like the Olympics or the Academy Awards.
  • Phrases like 'best friends' emphasize deep connections, often signifying loyalty and trust.

Psychology

  • Striving for the 'best' can motivate individuals to improve, but can also lead to pressure and anxiety if expectations are too high.
  • Studies show that people are more satisfied when they feel they have done their best, whether in academics or personal achievements.

Literature

  • Many famous authors have explored the theme of 'best' through characters who strive for excellence, reflecting human ambition.
  • In classic literature, characters often face dilemmas over what 'the best' choice is, highlighting moral and ethical questions.

Pop Culture

  • 'Best' has been used in countless songs and movies, emphasizing themes of love, competition, and achievement.
  • Reality TV often revolves around being the 'best', with contestants vying for approval and prizes based on their performances.

Origin of 'best'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'best' comes from the Old English word 'betsta', which means the most good.
  • It is related to the word 'better', which means something is improved or of higher quality than something else.

The word 'best' originated from the Old English word 'betst', which is the superlative form of 'good'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to denote the highest quality or most desirable option.

See also: bestow.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #210, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.