best

Study(21)

/ˈbɛst/

noun 3verb 3name 2

Collocations

(adj.)

VERBS

consider sth, deem sth, judge sth, think sth

The doctor considered it best to wait and see how the patient responded to treatment.

ADV

very

My parents always want the very best for their children's future.

by far, easily

She is easily the best student in her class this year.

PREP

My older sister is best at cooking delicious meals for our family.

for

Sometimes parents make difficult choices because they believe it's best for their children's future.

Definitions

noun

The supreme effort one can make, or has made.

I did my best.

My personal best in that race is eighteen minutes, four seconds.

One's best behavior.

I was somewhat distant lately, and my lady promised me head every Tuesday of the week when I’m nice to her, so I better be on my best.

The person (or persons; or thing or things) that is (are) most excellent.

Even the best of us makes mistakes, but only a few with the best of intentions...

We're (the) best of friends, who fortunately enjoy the best of health.

verb

To surpass in skill or achievement.

To beat in a contest.

The Norddeutscher Lloyd steamship Kronprinz Wilhelm left New York on May 3 [1904], at 3.10 p.m. and reached Plymouth Sound on May 9 at 8 a.m. This was then a very fast crossing of the Atlantic, but it was not the record. The same ship had held the "Blue Riband" in 1902, but had been slightly bested by the Kaiser Wilhelm II, a larger vessel of the same line, in 1903, and that stood as the record until the Cunard Line secured the honours in 1909 with the Mauretania and held them for an unbroken period of 20 years.

"You did not win because I was sloppy. You bested me, Uncle. I've never seen you fight like that before.”

verb

Had best.

It's getting late. You best get on home.

'We best be going,' she said, looking at the clock.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

noun — the person who is most outstanding or excellent

topper

verb — get the better of

adverb — from a position of superiority or authority

better

Antonyms

worst

Idioms & Phrases

best regards

Used as a polite closing of a letter

I look forward to finally meeting you in person. Best regards, Peter.

at the best of times

Even under the most favourable conditions.

When that gentleman came from the city, and was welcomed in the drawing-room by his daughters and the elegant Miss Wirt, they saw at once by his face—which was puffy, solemn, and y

put one's best foot forward

To show oneself in the best or most positive way possible; to make a favorable impression.

Try to put your best foot forward at all times during a job interview.

at best

In the most favorable of conditions, especially in a situation that is otherwise negative.

The signalman, as such, was unknown at first. At junctions, or for shunting, the pointsman was responsible both for setting the points and working the appropriate signals, the two

all the best

Used to wish someone good luck.

Example Bank

I did my best.

Wiktionary

My personal best in that race is eighteen minutes, four seconds.

Wiktionary

Home defender Per Mertesacker had to be at his best to stop a dangerous cross from Vassilis Torossidis reaching Djebbour, but moments later Arsenal doubled their lead through Santos.

Wiktionary

"You did not win because I was sloppy. You bested me, Uncle. I've never seen you fight like that before.”

Wiktionary

It's getting late. You best get on home.

Wiktionary

Usage Notes

i Register

In some senses, best is marked as colloquial. Watch for register when choosing this word.

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