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Superlative vs Expletive - What's the difference?

superlative | expletive |

As nouns the difference between superlative and expletive

is that superlative is the highest extent or degree of something while expletive is a profane, vulgar term, notably a curse or obscene oath.

As adjectives the difference between superlative and expletive

is that superlative is exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb while expletive is serving to fill up, merely for effect, otherwise redundant.

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 ----

    expletive

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Serving to fill up, merely for effect, otherwise redundant.
  • * Hallam
  • Expletive imagery.
  • * Barrow
  • Expletive phrases to plump his speech.
  • Marked by expletives (phrase-fillers).
  • Synonyms

    * expletory

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A profane, vulgar term, notably a curse or obscene oath.
  • (linguistics) A word without meaning added to fill a syntactic position.
  • (linguistics) A word that adds to the strength of a phrase without affecting its meaning; an intensifier.
  • References

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