Definition

1. Adjective (superlative of 'good'):

   • Having the highest quality, being the most excellent, or being the most suitable among a group.
   • Of the highest standard or most desirable kind.

2. Adverb (superlative of 'well'):

   • In the most excellent or effective manner.
   • To the greatest degree or extent.

3. Noun:

   • That which is the most excellent or outstanding.
   • The greatest effort someone can make.
   • (Capitalized, proper noun) A surname.

4. Verb (transitive):

   • To defeat or outdo someone; to get the better of.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • This is the best cake I have ever tasted.
  • What is the best way to learn a new language?
  • She wore her best dress to the party.

• Adverb:

  • He works best in a quiet environment.
  • I like this painting best.
  • You had best (= it is most advisable to) call her before you visit.

• Noun:

  • We should always strive to do our best.
  • He is considered the best in his field.
  • Only the best is good enough for our customers.

• Verb:

  • After a long race, she managed to best her rival by a fraction of a second.
  • The chess champion was finally bested by a young newcomer.

Advanced Usage

• At (one's) best: Performing or appearing in the most excellent state possible.
  • The team was at its best during the final match.
• Make the best of: To cope as well as possible with a difficult or unsatisfactory situation.
  • The weather was bad, but we made the best of our holiday.
• For the best: Ultimately good or advantageous, even if it doesn't seem so at first.
  • Maybe losing that job was for the best; you found a better one.
• The best part of: Nearly all of; most of.
  • We spent the best part of the day cleaning the garage.

Variants and Related Words

• Better (adj., adv.): The comparative form of 'good' and 'well'.
• Bestie (n., informal): A term for one's closest friend.
• Bestow (v.): To confer or present (an honor, gift, etc.).

Synonyms

• Adjective: Finest, greatest, top, foremost, premier, optimal, superlative.
• Noun: Peak, pinnacle, zenith, cream of the crop.
• Verb: Defeat, beat, overcome, outdo, surpass, triumph over.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• All the best: A common expression used to wish someone good luck or success.
  • All the best with your new job!
• With the best of them: As well as anyone.
  • Even at his age, he can dance with the best of them.
• The best of both worlds: A situation where one can enjoy the advantages of two different things at the same time.
  • Living in the countryside with a city job offers the best of both worlds.
• Best in show: The award given to the top competitor in a dog show or similar exhibition.
• To the best of my knowledge/belief: As far as I know or believe.
  • To the best of my knowledge, the meeting is still scheduled for tomorrow.

Adjective

1. (comparative and superlative of `well') wiser or more advantageous and hence advisable
   • it would be better to speak to him
   • the White House thought it best not to respond
2. (superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities
   • the best film of the year
   • the best solution
   • the best time for planting
   • wore his best suit

Adverb

1. from a position of superiority or authority
   • father knows best
   • I know better.
2. it would be sensible
   • you'd best stay at home
3. in a most excellent way or manner
   • he played best after a couple of martinis

Noun

1. Canadian physiologist (born in the United States) who assisted F. G. Banting in research leading to the discovery of insulin (1899-1978)
2. the person who is most outstanding or excellent; someone who tops all others
   • he could beat the best of them
3. the supreme effort one can make
   • they did their best

Verb

1. get the better of
   • the goal was to best the competition