super-superlative

English

Alternative forms

• supersuperlative

Etymology

super- +‎ superlative

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌsuːpəˈɹsuːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/, /ˌsuːpəˈɹsjuːˈpɜː.lə.tɪv/

Noun

super-superlative (plural super-superlatives)

1. (rare) A degree that is beyond the usual superlative; a super-superlative form.

Adjective

super-superlative (not comparable)

1. (rare) Beyond merely superlative; of the very highest or greatest quality; truly superb.
   • 1823, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction 1823-05-31: Volume 2 Issue 32‎^[1], Open Court Publishing Company, page 29:

     His tongue was eternally running in praise of her super-superlative, never-to-be-described charms, and in hyperbolical accounts of the flames, darts, and daggers by which his luggs, liver, and midriff were burnt up, transfixed, and gnawed away.

   • 1862, Samuel Smith Nicholas, Habeas Corpus, the Law of War, and Confiscation‎^[2], Bradley & Gilbert, page 15:

     His intelligent countrymen will laugh at his ridiculous folly, but they cannot fail to pay the extorted tribute of admiration for his super-superlative impudence.

   • 1877, William Matthews, Hours with Men and Books‎^[3], S.C. Griggs and Company, page 183:

     There are whole pages in his history with hardly an adjective that is not super-superlative.

References

• “super-superlative”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.