-est¹

Forming the superlatives of some adjectives and adverbs.

Old English ‑ost‑, ‑ust‑, ‑ast‑.

Examples of adjectival superlatives include clearest, greatest, oldest, shortest, strongest, widest, youngest; of adverbial superlatives fastest, latest, soonest. Many longer adjectives and adverbs instead form their superlatives using most. For the comparative form, see ‑er².