best
the supreme effort one can make
How often you will meet it
Rank 271 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 80,017 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.038% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 500 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
noun
- the supreme effort one can make they did their best
- the person who is most outstanding or excellent; someone who tops all others also: topper he could beat the best of them
- Canadian physiologist (born in the United States) who assisted F. G. Banting in research leading to the discovery of insulin (1899-1978) also: C. H. Best, Charles Herbert Best
adverb
- in a most excellent way or manner he played best after a couple of martinis
- it would be sensible you'd best stay at home
- from a position of superiority or authority also: better father knows bestI know better.
adjective
- (superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities the best film of the yearthe best solution
- (comparative and superlative of `well') wiser or more advantageous and hence advisable also: better it would be better to speak to himthe White House thought it best not to respond
best in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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The ugly and the stupid have the best of it in this world.
The Picture of Dorian Gray · Oscar Wilde · Chapter 1
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In the afternoon he had the best masters in the town in military exercises.
A Knight of the White Cross · G. A. (George Alfred) Henty · Chapter 1
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Of course, they make mistakes, but on the whole they pick the best men astonishingly.
The Courage of the Commonplace · Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · Chapter 1
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Alas! this bride heard it quite unheeding, saying only, "Do what you think best, Mrs. Ferguson."
Christian's Mistake · Dinah Maria Mulock Craik · Chapter 1
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At Christmas time, the children's season, it is best to allow all who so desire to take part in the entertainment.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1