best

best [best]

adj.

[ME best, betst < OE betst (akin to Goth batists) < ? IE base * bhad-, good > Sans bhadrá-ḥ, fortunate, good]

1. superl. of GOOD

2. of the most excellent sort; surpassing all others

3. most suitable, most desirable, most favorable, most profitable, etc.

4. being almost the whole; largest [it took the best part of an hour]

adv.

1. superl. of WELL²

2. in the most excellent manner; in the most suitable way

3. in the highest degree; to the greatest extent; most

n.

1. people of the highest worth, ability, or reputation [among the best in his profession]

2. the thing, condition, circumstance, action, etc. that is most excellent, most suitable, etc.

3. the most one can do; utmost [to do one's best]

4. advantage [to get the best of an opponent]

5. one's finest clothes

vt.

to win out over; defeat or outdo

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all for the best

turning out to be good or fortunate after all

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as best one can

as well as one can

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at best

1. under the most favorable conditions or interpretation

2. at most

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at one's best

in one's best mood, form, health, etc.

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get the best of or have the best of

1. to outdo, overcome, or defeat

2. to outwit

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had best

ought to; would be prudent or wise to

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make the best of

to do as well as one can with

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with the best

as ably as the most able