- best⇄adj. 1. most good, excellent, or useful.
Ex. the best way to do anything. Her work is good; my work is better; but his is best. He is the best student in the class.
2. largest.
Ex. Teachers spend the best part of the day at school. < - best⇄adv. superlative of well (1).1. in the most excellent way; most thoroughly.
Ex. Who reads best?
2. in or to the highest degree.
Ex. I like this book best. He said it that knew it best (Francis Bacon). - best⇄best, adjective, superlative ofgood,adverb, noun, verb.
- best⇄expr. (all) for the best, not so bad as it seems.
Ex. I hope all's for the best (Shakespeare). - best⇄expr. as best one can, to the best of one's ability.
Ex. Places east of that Eden must look out for themselves as best they can (Manchester Guardian Weekly). - best⇄expr. at best, under the most favorable circumstances.
Ex. Summer is at best very short. - best⇄expr. at one's best,
a. in one's best health or spirits.
Ex. At his best he's still a rather dull fellow.
b. at the peak of one's ability, strength, etc..
Ex. Most athletes are at their best during their early manhood. - best⇄expr. get the best of, to defeat.
Ex. The lawyer easily got the best of his opponent in the debate. - best⇄expr. had best, will be wise to; should; ought to.
Ex. You had best leave before the storm breaks. - best⇄expr. have the best of, to have or win the advantage in.
Ex. The lawyer certainly had the best of the argument. - best⇄expr. make the best of, to do as well as possible with.
Ex. Try to make the best of a bad job. - best⇄expr. one's level best, (Informal.) as well as one can do; one's very best.
Ex. He has done his level best to improve things (Harper's). - best⇄expr. to the best of, with as much as possible of.
Ex. She ... will always serve you ... to the best of her ability (Charlotte Bronte). - best⇄expr. with the best, as well as anyone.
Ex. He can play tennis with the best. - best⇄noun 1. the person or thing that is best.
Ex. Most parents want the best for their children. He is the best in the class. To seek out the best through the whole Union (Thomas Jefferson).
2. the most that is possible; utmost.
Ex. I did - best⇄v.t. (Informal.) to outdo; defeat; outwit.
Ex. The wrestler was quickly bested by the stronger man.