Meaning & use
at its best
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Meanings
phraseidiom
In the finest state or condition that something can reach.
Grammar: Fits the subject: the city at its best; she at her best.
Patterns
- something at its best
- someone at their best
The garden is at its best in late spring.
This soup is at its best served hot.
The team at its best can beat anyone.
phraseidiomdisapproving
Used to say that even the most favorable view of something is still modest, as in the most generous reading.
Grammar: Often means even in the best case: the plan is, at its best, mediocre.
Patterns
- at best
The service was, at its best, average.
The film is, at its best, mildly entertaining.
At its best, the proposal is a partial fix.
Common combinations
- look at its best
- The hills look at their best in autumn.
- is at its best
- The wine is at its best after a few years.
- at her best
- She is at her best when she is on stage.
- at their best
- Dogs are at their best outdoors.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in top form
- In top form applies mainly to people or teams, while at its best works for things too.
- in prime condition
- In prime condition is more formal and suggests peak readiness.
- at its peak
- At its peak describes the highest point of a changing level, while at its best compares quality.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: at its best or at best?
at its best vs at best
At best means even at the most generous estimate, while at its best means in its finest state.
Practice
The beach is quiet and warm in September, so it is ___.
Choose one answer.
At its best means in its finest state. At its worst is the opposite, at best means even the most generous view, and in worst is not an idiom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “at its best”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.