best adj., adv., n., & v. --adj. (superl. of GOOD) of
the most excellent or
outstanding or
desirable kind (my best
work; the best
solution; the best
thing to do
would be to confess). --adv. (superl. of WELL(1)). 1 in the best
manner (does it best). 2 to the greatest
degree (like it best). 3 most usefully (is best ignored). --n. 1
that which is best (the best is
yet to come). 2 the
chief merit or
advantage (brings
out the best in him). 3 (foll. by of) a
winning majority of (a
certain number of games etc. played) (the best of five). 4 =
Sunday best. --v.tr. colloq.
defeat,
outwit,
outbid, etc. øall the best an
expression used to
wish a
person good fortune. as best
one can (or may) as effectively as
possible under the circumstances. at best on the most optimistic
view. at one's best in peak
condition etc. at the best of times even in the most
favourable circumstances. be
for (or
all for) the best be desirable in the
end. best end of
neck the
rib end of a neck of
lamb etc. for
cooking. best
man the bridegroom's chief
attendant at a
wedding. the best
part of most
of. best
seller 1 a
book or
other item that
has sold in
large numbers. 2 the
author of
such a book. do one's best do all one can.
get the best of defeat, outwit.
give a person the best
admit the
superiority of that person.
had best would
find it wisest
to.
make the best of
derive what limited advantage one can
from (something
unsatisfactory or unwelcome); put up
with. to the best of one's
ability,
knowledge , etc. as
far as one can do,
know, etc. with the best of
them as well as
anyone. [OE betest (adj.), bet(o)st (adv.), f. Gmc]
