Meaning & use
superb
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Of extremely high quality; as good as anything of its kind could be.
Grammar: Can come before a noun or after be. Because it is already extreme, avoid very superb; use absolutely superb.
Patterns
- a superb something
- be superb at something
The chef served a superb meal of roasted lamb and fresh herbs.
She gave a superb performance in the final.
The view from the hilltop was absolutely superb.
adjectiveafter a verbinformal
Used to express strong approval when someone has done something extremely well.
Grammar: Often used alone as a comment or after be: That goal was superb!
Patterns
- Superb!
- be superb at something
Your idea is superb, so let's go with it.
He was superb at keeping calm under pressure.
Common combinations
- a superb performance
- The pianist gave a superb performance of Chopin.
- superb quality
- The shop is known for the superb quality of its leather.
- absolutely superb
- The food at the new place was absolutely superb.
- a superb view
- The cabin has a superb view of the lake.
- in superb condition
- The old car is in superb condition for its age.
Synonyms and how they differ
- excellent
- Excellent is a very common word for high quality, while superb sounds more enthusiastic and stronger.
- magnificent
- Magnificent adds the idea of grandness and splendor, so it suits buildings and scenery better than superb does.
- outstanding
- Outstanding stresses that something stands out above others, often in competitions or ratings.
- splendid
- Splendid is a slightly old-fashioned, cheerful word of praise that can sound more British than superb.
Opposites
Word family
- superbly adverb
- in an excellent way
Commonly confused: superb or super?
superb vs super
Super is a casual, general word for good, while superb is a stronger, more formal compliment and cannot be used as an adverb.
Practice
The reviewer called the singer's final song ____, saying it was the best of the evening.
Choose one answer.
Superb shows the highest praise, matching best of the evening. Ordinary, tolerable and dull are not praise of that kind.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “superb”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.