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Exemplary vs Superlative - What's the difference?

exemplary | superlative |

As adjectives the difference between exemplary and superlative

is that exemplary is deserving honour, respect and admiration while superlative is exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.

As nouns the difference between exemplary and superlative

is that exemplary is an example, or typical instance; an exemplar while superlative is the highest extent or degree of something.

exemplary

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Deserving honour, respect and admiration.
  • Of such high quality that it should serve as an example to be imitated.
  • * Francis Bacon
  • [Bishops'] lives and doctrines ought to be exemplary .
  • Ideal or perfect.
  • Serving as a warning; monitory.
  • as, exemplary justice, punishment, or damages

    Noun

    (exemplaries)
  • (obsolete) An example, or typical instance; an exemplar
  • (obsolete) A copy of a book or writing.
  • (Donne)

    superlative

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The highest extent or degree of something.
  • (label) The form of an adjective that expresses which of more than two items has the highest degree of the quality expressed by the adjective; in English, formed by appending "-est" to the end of the adjective (for some short adjectives only) or putting "most" before it.
  • (label) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.
  • Synonyms

    * (highest degree) acme, peak

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
  • (grammar) Of or relating to a superlative.
  • Usage notes

    Rather formal, reflecting its Latin etymology; more colloquial alternatives include exceptional, fabulous, above and beyond, and others.

    Synonyms

    * (exceptionally good) above and beyond, exceptional, extraordinary, superb

    See also

    * absolute * comparative * elative ----