best

BEST/ˈbɛst/

Noun pluralbests

9 meanings of best

Practice

1
finestadjective
Of the highest quality or most suitable; better than all others (the superlative of good).
We chose the best route to avoid the morning traffic.
Early light gives photographers the best conditions for landscapes.
UsageUsually with the or a possessive: the best route, my best friend. With ever: the best day ever.
Similarfinest, top, optimal, ideal, greatest
Oppositeworst
2
most fullyadverb
Superlative of well.
The friends who knew him best were not surprised by his decision to move abroad.
Of all her old teachers, she remembers Mr. Hale best.
UsageUsually after the verb: she knows him best. Before a past participle: best known, best paid.
Note
The adverb shares its spelling with the superlative of good, but it answers how rather than which. It usually follows the verb, as in Coleridge's "He prayeth best who loveth best", or a saying that "says it best", though it comes first in best known. The test is simple: if well fits the plain form (he prays well), the superlative is this adverb.
Checked 3 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
Coleridge wrote the quoted words “He prayeth best who loveth best”. en.wikisource.org
3
the finestnouncountable
The person, persons, thing, or things that are most excellent of their kind.
If you want bagels, this place makes the best in town.
Among all the competitors, she emerged as the best.
UsageMostly in set phrases: the best of friends, the best of luck. It's the best! is enthusiastic praise.
Similarfinest
Oppositeworst
4
top effortnoununcountable
The greatest effort a person can make or has made toward something.
He gave his best in every single match this season.
They promised to do their best for every customer who called.
UsageWith a possessive: do your best, try your best, give it your best.
Similarutmost

Less common meanings

5
kind regardsnoununcountable
Friendly regards or good wishes, typically offered when signing off a letter or message or conveyed via a third party.
Tell your father I send my best and hope his recovery goes smoothly.
Thanks again for your help with the move. Best, Daniel
UsageSay give someone my best or send my best. To close an email, write Best, followed by your name.
Similarregards
Note
The short form of best wishes or best regards, and one of the most common sign-offs in work email: Best, followed by a name.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
Best is a shortened form of best wishes or best regards. uni-due.de
6
shouldverbcolloquialmodal
Ought to; used as a reduced form of 'had best' to give firm advice or a warning.
You best not tell anyone what you saw tonight.
They best be ready when the early bus arrives.
UsageNo to after it, and not comes next: you best not tell. In careful writing, use had best or had better.
Similarshould
Note
The had has dropped out of had best, leaving a bare modal: "You best get on home," "We best be going."
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
Modal best is a shortened form of had best, with had omitted. en.wiktionary.org
7
Sunday clothesnoununcountable
The finest clothes a person owns, kept for special occasions, often in the phrase Sunday best.
Half the town turned out in its best for the mayor's parade.
He hadn't worn his Sunday best since his brother's funeral, and the jacket was tight.
UsageUsually with an owner: in their Sunday best, in your best, rarely just "in best".
Similarfinery
Note
Clothes kept for church give the phrase Sunday best its name, and today it is used for anyone dressed up for an occasion, often with a smile.
Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
Sunday best takes its name from dressing in one's best clothes for church. readfoyer.com
8
beat (game)verbtransitive
To defeat or outdo someone in a contest, skill, or achievement.
A skilled amateur can best a tired professional on the right day.
Our team bested the defending champions last night.
Similarbeat, defeat, outdo, outplay
9
most ofadjective
The greatest in amount or extent; nearly the whole of a quantity.
The repairs took the best part of a week to complete.
He read the best part of the report before the meeting began.
UsageAlmost only in the best part of + time or amount: nearly all of it, rather than the nicest part.
Similarbetter, greater

best is a form of well

well, adverb: In a good, competent, satisfactory, or favorable way; as one would wish. Full entry

Forms: wellbetter comparativebest superlative
Spelling: well → best: irregular

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of best apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1–5, 7–9

From Middle English beste, from Old English betst (also betest), from Proto-Germanic *batistaz. It is related to Dutch best, German beste, and Swedish bäst, among others.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts

Best derives from Middle English beste, continuing Old English betst/betest. en.wiktionary.org
Old English betst and betest are alternative forms. en.wiktionary.org
The Old English word derives from reconstructed Proto-Germanic *batistaz. en.wiktionary.org
Best is related to Dutch best, German beste, Swedish bäst, and other Germanic cognates. fr.wiktionary.org

Meaning 6

A shortening of the phrase "had best."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact

The modal best is a shortening of had best. en.wiktionary.org