best

adjective

1. 1

   Most; largest.

   Unpacking took the best part of a week.

2. 2

   Most superior; most favorable.

   In my opinion, mushrooms are the best pizza toppings.

3. 3

   Also a form of goodsuperlative form of good: most good.

   I can either be your best friend or your worst enemy.

   […] when he is beſt, he is a little worſe then a man, and when he is worſt, he is little better than a beaſt:

   Heav'ns laſt beſt gift, my ever new delight,

   Swinging in the backyard Pull up in your fast car whistling my name Open up a beer And you say get over here and play a video game […] I say you the bestest Lean in for a big kiss, put his favorite perfume on Go play your video game

adverb

1. 1

   To the most advantage; with the most success, cause, profit, benefit, or propriety.

   You'd best save a backup copy, just in case the morons lose the one that you sent and then try to act like you never sent one.

   Had I not best go to her?

2. 2

   Also a form of wellsuperlative form of well: most well

   A popular aphorism says it best: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

   Out of my ſight, thou Serpent, that name beſt Befits thee with him leagu'd, thy ſelf as falſe And hateful;

   But had we beſt retire, I ſee a ſtorm?

   He prayeth best, who loveth best / All things both great and small.

noun

1. 1

   The supreme effort one can make, or has made.

   I did my best.

   My personal best in that race is eighteen minutes, four seconds.

   Home defender Per Mertesacker had to be at his best to stop a dangerous cross from Vassilis Torossidis reaching Djebbour, but moments later Arsenal doubled their lead through Santos.

2. 2

   One's best behavior.

   I was somewhat distant lately, and my lady promised me head every Tuesday of the week when I’m nice to her, so I better be on my best.

3. 3

   The person (or persons; or thing or things) that is (are) most excellent.

   Even the best of us makes mistakes, but only a few with the best of intentions...

   We're (the) best of friends, who fortunately enjoy the best of health.

   I love it so much! It's the best.

   Mel Gussow reviews the bests of off off Broadway

verb

1. 1

   To surpass in skill or achievement.

2. 2

   To beat in a contest.

   "You did not win because I was sloppy. You bested me, Uncle. I've never seen you fight like that before.”

verb

1. 1

   Had best.

   It's getting late. You best get on home.

   'We best be going,' she said, looking at the clock.

   Brother, you best be gone when I return.

Forms

plural

bests

comparative

bester

superlative

bestest

past tense

bested

past participle

bested

present participle

besting

third person singular

bests