A1adjective1K

Best

UK /["/best/"]/US /["/best/"]/

Definition

of the most excellent type or quality

In simple words: The most good or excellent.

Examples

  • This is the best cake I have ever tasted.
  • She is the best player on the team.
  • What is your best memory from childhood?
  • He gave his best effort during the race.
  • This program is designed to bring out the best in students.

Usage notes

Use 'best' to describe something that is superior in quality. It's appropriate in most contexts, but avoid it in very formal writing where specificity is preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a gold medal; the 'best' athlete gets it.

Collocations

  • be
  • consider something
  • deem something
  • very
  • by far
  • easily
  • at
  • for
  • be
  • consider something
  • deem something
  • very
  • by far
  • easily
  • at
  • for
  • be
  • consider something
  • deem something
  • very
  • by far
  • easily
  • at
  • for

Synonyms

  • finest
  • greatest
  • top
  • superior
  • optimal

Antonyms

  • worst
  • poorest
  • least

Common mistakes

  • Using 'best' as a noun without clarification (e.g., 'the best' without context).
  • Confusing 'best' with 'better' (best is for more than two, better is for two).