Definition

Adverb * At any time; in all of history: Used to emphasize that something is the greatest, best, worst, or most significant example of its kind when compared to all other instances throughout history. It sets an absolute, historical standard.

Usage

This adverb phrase is used to make a superlative statement definitive and absolute. It is almost always used with a superlative adjective (e.g., greatest, best, worst, most famous) to declare that something has no equal in all of recorded history. * It modifies the entire superlative phrase (e.g., "the greatest singer"). * It typically comes after the noun it describes.

Examples

• Many consider him the greatest athlete of all time.
• That film is often cited as the best comedy of all time.
• The eruption was the most destructive volcanic event of all time in the region.
• She is the best-selling author of all time.

Advanced Usage

• "Of all time" can sometimes be used for hyperbolic or humorous effect in informal contexts, not strictly referring to literal history.
  • "That was the worst pizza of all time!" (The speaker means it was exceptionally bad in their personal experience, not necessarily in human history).
• The phrase can be used with ordinal numbers (e.g., , ) to denote historical ranking.
  • He is the second-highest goalscorer of all time for the national team.

Variants and Related Words

• All-time (adjective): Used before a noun to describe a record, high, or low that is the greatest ever measured.
  • The company reached an all-time high in stock value.
  • Unemployment is at an all-time low.

Synonyms

• Ever
• In history
• Throughout history

Related Idioms

• The greatest thing since sliced bread: An idiom for something excellent and innovative (often used hyperbolically). While similar in hyperbolic use, "of all time" has a broader, more historical scope.
  • He thinks his new phone is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Adverb

1. at any time
   • did you ever smoke?
   • the best con man of all time