Superb

How to spell superb

6 letters · 2 syllables

How to pronounce superb

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does superb mean?

1. adjectiveOf the very highest quality; magnificent or excellent.

Superb in a sentence

• The chef prepared a superb three-course meal for the anniversary dinner.

• Reviewers praised the hotel for its superb service and spotless rooms.

Where does superb come from?

Language of origin: Latin

This word comes from the Latin superbus, an adjective that meant 'proud', 'distinguished', or 'magnificent', built on the preposition super, meaning 'above' or 'beyond'. The literal sense was something that rises above the ordinary, and in classical Latin it could carry a double edge, praising grandeur but also hinting at arrogance or haughtiness. English took it up in the early 1500s, at first describing buildings and works of art that were grand and imposing, and only later did it broaden to mean 'excellent of its kind' in everyday use. The same super root drives a whole family of English words, including superior, supreme, and superlative, all of which share the idea of being above the rest. Because the ending is simply '-erb' and not the more familiar '-erp' or '-urb' sound that some speakers expect, the final B is the small spelling point to keep in mind.

How the word is built

• super- (from super: above, beyond)
• -b (from Latin superbus: proud, splendid)