First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1best
adjective \ˈbest\
: better than all others in quality or value
: most skillful, talented, or successful
: most appropriate, useful, or helpful
Full Definition of BEST
superlative of good
1
: excelling all others <the best student>
2
: most productive of good : offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction <what is the best thing to do>
See best defined for English-language learners
See best defined for kids
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Origin of BEST
Middle English, from Old English betst; akin to Old English bōt remedy — more at better
2best
adverb
: in the best way : in a way that is better than all others : with the most success or benefit
: to the greatest degree or extent
Full Definition of BEST
superlative of well
1
: in the best way : to greatest advantage <some things are best left unsaid>
2
: most <those best able will provide needed support>
— as best
: as well, skillfully, or accurately as <try to do it as best you can>
See best defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BEST
before 12th century
3best
noun
the best : the best person or thing : the best group of people or things
: someone's or something's most effective, capable, or successful condition
: the highest level that you can do or achieve
plural best
Full Definition of BEST
1
: the best state or part
2
: one that is best <the best falls short>
3
: the greatest degree of good or excellence
4
a : one's maximum effort <do your best> b : a best performance or achievement <ran a new personal best>
5
: best clothes <Sunday best>
— at best
: under the most favorable circumstances
See best defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BEST
before 12th century
4best
verb
: to do better than (someone or something) : to defeat or outdo (someone or something)
Full Definition of BEST
transitive verb
: to get the better of : outdo
See best defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BEST
1863
5best
verbal auxiliary
Definition of BEST
: had best <you best listen>
First Known Use of BEST
1914
Best
biographical name \ˈbest\
Definition of BEST
Charles Herbert 1899–1978 Canad. (Am.-born) physiol.
BEST[1] Defined for Kids
1best
adjective \ˈbest\
Definition of BEST for Kids
superlative of good
1
: better than all others <He's the best speller in the class.>
2
: most appropriate, useful, or helpful <This is the best way to solve the problem.>
— best part
: 3most <It rained for the best part of their vacation.>
2best
adverb
Definition of BEST for Kids
superlative of well
1
: in a way that is better than all the others <This dessert is best eaten hot.>
2
: 2most 1 <She's best able to do the work.>
3best
noun
Definition of BEST for Kids
1
: a person or thing or part of a thing that is better than all the others <You're the best!>
2
: someone's greatest effort <Do your best.>
4best
verb
best·edbest·ing
Definition of BEST for Kids
: to do better than : defeat or outdo <He bested us in every game.>
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