best

• n. 最好的人，最好的事物；最佳状态
• adj. 最好的
• adv. 最好地
• vt. 打败，胜过
• n. (Best)人名；(英、西、德、葡、法)贝斯特

词态变化

中文词源

来自古英语betst。bet, 同boot, 好处。-st, 最高级。boot接近于死词，而作为good最高级。

英文词源

best

best: [OE] Best and better, the anomalous superlative and comparative of good, go back to a prehistoric Germanic base *bat-, which is related to the archaic English boot ‘remedy’ (as in to boot) and meant generally ‘advantage, improvement’. Its comparative and superlative were *batizon and *batistaz, which came into Old English as respectively betera and betest (gradually reduced via betst to best). The term best man originated in Scotland; it has gradually replaced the earlier bride(s)man and groomsman.
=> better, boot

best (adj.)

Old English beste, reduced by assimilation of -t- from earlier Old English betst "best, first, in the best manner," originally superlative of bot "remedy, reparation," the root word now only surviving in to boot (see boot (n.2)), though its comparative, better, and superlative, best, have been transferred to good (and in some cases well). From Proto-Germanic root *bat-, with comparative *batizon and superlative *batistaz (cognates: Old Frisian, Old Saxon, Middle Dutch best, Old High German bezzist, German best, Old Norse beztr, Gothic batists).

The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!

[Burns]

Best-seller as short for "best-selling book" is from 1902, apparently originally in the publishing trade; best friend was in Chaucer (late 14c.). Best girl is first attested 1881, American English; best man is 1814, originally Scottish, replacing groomsman. To be able to do something with the best of them is recorded by 1748.

best (v.)

"to get the better of," 1863, from best (adj.). Related: Bested; besting.

best (n.)

c. 1200, from best (adj.).

双语例句

1. The best thing to do when entering unknown territory is smile.

踏入未知地带最好的对策就是微笑。

来自美剧《凯莉日记》

2. The happiest are not those who own all the best things, but those who can appreciate the beauty of life.

最幸福的人们并不一定什么都是最好，只是他们懂得欣赏生活的美好。

来自金山词霸 每日一句

3. Some companies are cutting costs and hoping for the best.

有些公司在削减成本，希望一切好转。

来自柯林斯例句

4. I found myself behind a curtain, necking with my best friend'swife.

我意识到自己在帘子后面吻着至友的妻子。

来自柯林斯例句

5. "All the best," called the other typists in chorus.

“祝万事如意，”其他打字员齐声喊道。

来自柯林斯例句