best
best — verb
1. to defeat a rival in a contest, game, debate, or struggle, finishing stronger, s
to defeat a rival in a contest, game, debate, or struggle, finishing stronger, smarter, or more successful than they are.
Noa bested his older brother in the chess final after a long, careful match.
best + [opponent] in + [contest]
The young lawyer bested two senior rivals during the courtroom debate on Friday.
best + [opponent] during + [event]
Kofi was bested by a Korean runner in the final hundred metres of the race.
passive: be bested by + [opponent]
No visiting team has bested the Tigers at their home stadium for almost three baseball seasons.
The old farmer bested the young soldier in an arm-wrestling match outside the village inn.
- best a rival
- best an opponent
- be bested by
- best someone at chess / tennis / debate
- narrowly best
- easily best
- lose to
the reverse outcome from the subject's view
- be beaten by
the passive opposite outcome
Grammar Patterns
best + [opponent]
be bested by + [opponent]
Usage Note
Frequently passive (be bested by). The object must be a competitor, rival, or opponent — not a task or problem; for tasks, use 'overcome' or 'beat'. More literary or journalistic than the everyday 'beat'.
Common Mistakes
best — noun
1. the person, animal, or thing that ranks above all the others in a group, judged
the person, animal, or thing that ranks above all the others in a group, judged by skill, quality, or some other measure.
Out of all the runners, Mateo was clearly the best on the track team.
the best in + group
This bakery sells the best of the chocolate cakes I have tried in Taipei.
the best of + plural noun
Among the three puppies, the small brown one was the best at fetching sticks.
the best at + activity
Bao wanted to study with the best, so he applied to the music school in Vienna.
Mateo says his grandmother's pork dumplings are still the best he has ever tasted.
- the best of the bunch
- the best in the world
- one of the best
- worst
the bottom-ranked member of the same group
Grammar Patterns
the best of + plural noun
the best in + group
Usage Note
Almost always preceded by 'the'. The group being compared is usually shown by an 'of' phrase, an 'in' phrase, or context.
Common Mistakes
2. a short closing word written above the writer's name in an email, note, or lette
a short closing word written above the writer's name in an email, note, or letter to someone they know in a relaxed, friendly way.
Hope to see you at the picnic on Sunday. Best, Kofi.
informal email sign-off
Noa ended his message to his teacher with 'Best, Noa' and pressed send.
Thanks again for the homemade jam — it was delicious. Best, Aunt Rosa.
Priya always signs her work emails with 'Best,' rather than the more formal 'Sincerely'.
contrast with formal closings
- Best,
- all the best
- regards
slightly more formal sign-off, common in workplace email
- best wishes
warmer and a touch more personal
- cheers
casual, more common in British English
Grammar Patterns
Best, + name
Usage Note
Sits between formal closings like 'Sincerely' and casual ones like 'Cheers'. A comma after 'Best' is standard, and the writer's name goes on the next line.
Common Mistakes
3. a warm phrase, used in fixed shapes like 'all the best' or 'give my best to', th
a warm phrase, used in fixed shapes like 'all the best' or 'give my best to', that passes general goodwill to someone — especially as a parting line or a greeting forwarded through a third person.
All the best with your new job in Tokyo, Kalani!
all the best with + future plan
Grandpa hugged Mateo at the airport and wished her all the best in her new life abroad.
wish + person + all the best in + new venture
The team manager wished Bao all the best before his move to the Madrid club.
Please give my best to Aunt Rosa and your parents when you visit them in Madrid.
give my best to + person
- all the best
- give my best
- send my best
Grammar Patterns
all the best (to + person)
Usage Note
Most often appears as 'all the best' or 'give my best to'. Conveys warmth without strong emotion, so it suits friends, neighbours, and polite acquaintances.
Common Mistakes
4. used in the fixed phrase 'at best' to show that, even with the kindest interpret
used in the fixed phrase 'at best' to show that, even with the kindest interpretation of the facts, a situation is still only fair, weak, or disappointing.
The roof might last another two winters at best, so the family started saving for repairs.
at best limiting a hopeful estimate
Daniel's apology was, at best, a half-hearted mumble that left Aunt Rosa unconvinced.
at best as a parenthetical
Tokyo critics called Director Nadia's new pirate film entertaining at best and a waste of time at worst.
at best paired with at worst
The job pays minimum wage at best, which barely covers Noa's rent.
- at best
- at best ... at worst
- at most
places a numerical ceiling, with no judgement of quality
- if anything
softer; hints the truth may be the other way around
- at worst
shows the most negative reading of the same situation
Grammar Patterns
at best + clause / phrase
Usage Note
Often paired with 'at worst' for contrast. Signals that the speaker thinks the reality is probably less impressive than the figure or label given.
Common Mistakes
5. the level a person, group, or thing reaches when they are performing or appearin
the level a person, group, or thing reaches when they are performing or appearing as well as they ever do, used in phrases like 'at her best'.
Kofi plays violin at his best when the audience is small and quiet.
at + possessive + best
The cherry trees in Kyoto are at their best for only one week each spring.
at their best of plants in season
Coach Nadia knows the team is at its best after a full week of rest.
Even at his best, Noa could not beat his older brother at chess.
even at + possessive + best
Aunt Rosa's chicken soup is at its best while still steaming hot from the iron pot.
- at its best
- at her best
- even at his best
- see someone at their best
- in top form
sport or competition register
- at peak
more formal, often physical or seasonal peaks
- in fine form
slightly British, applies to performers or writers
- at worst
the lowest level of performance or condition
Grammar Patterns
at + possessive + best
Usage Note
Always follows 'at' plus a possessive ('my', 'her', 'their', 'its'). Without the possessive, the phrase usually shifts meaning to 'at best' (sense 4).
Common Mistakes
6. the most polite, well-mannered conduct a person, child, or pet can produce on pu
the most polite, well-mannered conduct a person, child, or pet can produce on purpose, used in the fixed phrase 'on one's best behaviour' to describe acting with extra care in front of others.
The children were on their best behaviour while Grandma was visiting from Osaka.
on + possessive + best behaviour
Bao promised his teacher he would be on his best the whole school trip.
Kofi's puppy was on its best behaviour during the long car ride to the vet.
Mum told the twins to be on their best behaviour when Aunt Rosa's new boyfriend came to dinner.
- on your best behaviour
- be on one's best
- on top form
stresses physical or mental sharpness more than manners
- well-behaved
adjective describing the same quality without the effort framing
- out of hand
behaving wildly or beyond control
Grammar Patterns
be on + possessive + best behaviour
Usage Note
Most often locked into the phrase 'on your best behaviour'. Subjects are usually children, pets, or people in a guest setting where they want to impress.
Common Mistakes
7. the part of something that someone enjoys or likes more than any other part.
the part of something that someone enjoys or likes more than any other part.
The best about Kofi's new flat is the small balcony facing the river.
the best about + noun phrase
Noa says the warm soup is the best of his grandmother's winter cooking.
the best of + possessive noun
The best about working from home for Kalani is having lunch with her dog.
For Bao, the best of the trip was watching the sunrise over Mount Fuji.
The quiet morning walk along the canal is the best of Ms. Nadia's daily routine.
- the best about
- the best of
- highlight
more concrete; names a specific moment or feature
- favourite part
everyday paraphrase; often easier for learners
- worst
the least pleasing part of the same thing
Grammar Patterns
the best (about / of)
Usage Note
Often appears as 'the best about' or 'the best of', followed by an activity, place, or experience. Distinguish from noun/1 (TOP PERSON OR THING): this sense names the most pleasing aspect of one thing, not the top item in a group.
Common Mistakes
8. a friendly phrase you say to someone who is about to take a test, give a speech,
a friendly phrase you say to someone who is about to take a test, give a speech, or face a hard task, hoping things go well for them.
Best of luck with your driving test tomorrow, Mateo — you have practised hard.
best of luck with + activity
Mr. Park wished the team the best of luck before the football final.
wish someone the best of luck
Kalani, best of luck in your nursing interview at the children's hospital next Monday.
best of luck in + event
The teacher hugged Kofi and said, "Best of luck on stage tonight."
Bao sent a quick message to his sister: "Best of luck with the exam!"
- best of luck with
- best of luck in
- wish someone the best of luck
- good luck
shorter and even more common in speech
- fingers crossed
informal idiom; speaker hopes for a good result
Grammar Patterns
best of luck (with/in something)
Usage Note
Almost always used as the fixed phrase 'best of luck', followed by 'with', 'in', or 'on'. Differs from noun/3 (GOODBYE WISH): that sense is a general farewell ('all the best'); this sense is tied to a specific upcoming challenge.
Common Mistakes
9. a way of deciding the winner in tennis, snooker, or similar games, where players
a way of deciding the winner in tennis, snooker, or similar games, where players play a fixed number of matches and whoever wins more than half of them wins overall.
The men's tennis final is played as the best of five sets at Wimbledon.
the best of + number + sets
Kofi beat his brother in the best of three table-tennis games on Sunday.
the best of three
The two snooker champions agreed to play their final as the best of seven frames.
In the school chess club, every round is the best of three quick games.
Bao won the tournament after taking the best of five sets against Diego.
- the best of three
- the best of five
- the best of seven
- best-of series
common in basketball and esports; same idea, longer phrase
Grammar Patterns
the best of + number
Usage Note
Used only with an odd number (3, 5, 7) so a clear winner is possible. Subject is usually a match, set, or round in a sport.
Common Mistakes
10. the hardest someone is able to work or try at something, even when the result is
the hardest someone is able to work or try at something, even when the result is uncertain.
Mateo did his best to finish the school project before the snowstorm hit.
do one's best to + verb
Noa tried his best, but the heavy box still slipped from his hands.
try one's best
The young swimmers all gave their best in the freezing pool yesterday.
give one's best
Ms. Nadia does her best to remember every student's name on the first day.
Bao promised his coach that he would do his best in the marathon.
- do one's best
- try one's best
- give one's best
- least
as in 'do the least one can'; opposite idea of minimal effort
Grammar Patterns
do/try one's best (to do something)
Usage Note
Almost always paired with a possessive (my, her, their, etc.) and the verbs 'do', 'try', or 'give'. Often followed by 'to + infinitive'. Distinguish from noun/6 (FULL EFFORT in 'best behaviour'): that sense is about manners and conduct, not effort on a task.
Common Mistakes
11. the most enjoyable or rewarding part of something, when this part is already ove
the most enjoyable or rewarding part of something, when this part is already over and what remains will be less good.
We have had the best of the summer; the rainy season starts next week.
have had the best of + season
Kofi felt he had had the best of the festival before the loud crowds arrived.
have had the best of + event
The old farmer says the orchard had its best years long ago, before the drought.
had its best years + time reference
Noa believes his football team had the best of their season in October.
By Sunday evening, the children felt they had had the best of the holiday.
- have had the best of
- prime
more formal; often refers to a person's peak years
- high point
names the peak moment itself rather than what came before
Grammar Patterns
have had the best of something
Usage Note
Frequently appears in the perfect tense: 'have had the best of...'. Subject is usually a person or group; the object is a period of time, an event, or a season. Carries a slightly wistful tone.
Common Mistakes
12. in the fixed adverbial phrase 'as best one can/could', meaning to handle a task
in the fixed adverbial phrase 'as best one can/could', meaning to handle a task using whatever skill, tools, or time happens to be available, accepting that the result may fall short.
Mateo answered the difficult questions as best he could during the interview.
as best + subject + can/could
The volunteers cleaned the muddy streets as best they could after the flood.
as best they could
Bao wrapped his ankle as best he could before walking down the trail.
Ms. Nadia explained the rules in English as best she could to the new student.
The little boy tied his shoes as best he could without his mother's help.
- as best one can
- as best as possible
- as well as possible
plainer everyday paraphrase
- to the best of one's ability
more formal; often used in writing
Grammar Patterns
as best one can
Usage Note
Used as the fixed adverbial phrase 'as best one can/could'. Implies the speaker is doing something under difficult conditions and accepts the result may not be perfect. Note: no 'as' before 'one can' — the phrase is 'as best she could', not 'as best as she could' in standard usage.
Common Mistakes
13. used in the phrase 'to the best of my/your/our knowledge' to say that what follo
used in the phrase 'to the best of my/your/our knowledge' to say that what follows is true based on the information you currently have, while admitting you might not know everything.
To the best of my knowledge, Noa has never visited Kyoto before this trip.
phrase: to the best of + possessive + knowledge
To the best of our knowledge, no Taiwanese company sells the same kind of foldable solar panel.
subject: 'our' for shared institutional information
The lawyer asked Kofi to swear that his statement was true to the best of his belief.
variant: to the best of + possessive + belief
To the best of my recollection, Mr. Park's budget meeting started just after three o'clock on Friday.
variant: to the best of my recollection (memory hedge)
Dr. Nadia answered every question to the best of her knowledge, but admitted some details were unclear.
- to the best of my knowledge
- to the best of our knowledge
- to the best of my belief
- to the best of my recollection
- as far as I know
more conversational equivalent of the same hedge
- from what I understand
softer, less formal; common in spoken English
Grammar Patterns
to the best of + possessive + knowledge / belief / ability
Usage Note
Used as a hedging phrase, almost always at the start or end of a statement. Signals that the speaker is being honest but cannot guarantee the claim is complete. Distinguish from sense 12 ('to the best of one's ability'), which is about effort, not knowledge.
Common Mistakes
14. in the phrase 'for the best', describing a choice or event that feels painful or
in the phrase 'for the best', describing a choice or event that feels painful or unwelcome now but should lead to a better outcome later.
Selling the old family house was hard, but Mateo believes it was for the best.
phrase: be + for the best (after a hard decision)
Bao lost his job in March, yet a year later he says it turned out for the best.
phrase: turn out + for the best
With the typhoon closing in, the Watanabe family packed the children into the car and just hoped for the best.
phrase: hope + for the best (uncertain outcome)
Breaking off the engagement was painful for Kofi, but his sister insists it was all for the best.
Dr. Nadia's small clinic closed last winter, but neighbours now say the move was for the best.
- be for the best
- turn out for the best
- hope for the best
- all for the best
- a blessing in disguise
stronger; suggests a hidden benefit only seen later
- all for the better
near-equivalent, slightly less common
- for the worse
opposite outcome — things became worse, not better
Grammar Patterns
be / turn out / hope + for the best
Usage Note
Often used to comfort someone after a loss or hard choice. Distinguish from sibling 'do one's best' senses (effort) and from 'the best of' phrases (selection): this is purely about a result that turns out well despite seeming bad at first.
Common Mistakes
15. in the phrase 'make the best of', meaning to accept a disappointing situation yo
in the phrase 'make the best of', meaning to accept a disappointing situation you cannot change and try to find some enjoyment or value in it anyway.
The cabin had no heating, so the campers made the best of it by lighting a small fire.
phrase: make the best of + 'it' (referring to a bad situation)
Stuck at the airport overnight, Mateo made the best of a bad job and read two whole novels.
fixed phrase: make the best of a bad job
The hotel room was tiny, but the Watanabe family made the best of their short holiday.
Rain ruined the picnic, so the children made the best of the afternoon by playing board games indoors.
After the budget was cut, Noa had to make the best of a much smaller team.
- make the best of it
- make the best of a bad job
- make the best of a bad situation
- make the best of a difficult time
- make do with
use what is available even though it is not ideal
- grin and bear it
informal; emphasises patience rather than finding enjoyment
- give up on
opposite reaction — abandon the situation rather than cope
Grammar Patterns
make the best of + noun phrase
make the best of a bad job / situation
Usage Note
The object is something disappointing or limited (not a positive thing). Frequently followed by 'by + -ing' to show how the person coped. Distinguish from sense 14 ('for the best'): this sense is about active coping during a bad situation; sense 14 is about the eventual outcome being good.
Common Mistakes
a situation in which someone enjoys the good points of two different choices at the same time, without losing the benefits of either.
Working from a beach cafe gives Mateo the best of both worlds — sunshine and a steady paycheck.
Living near the city but in a quiet village offers the best of both worlds for the Chen family.
a humorous, exaggerated way to call something the most useful or wonderful invention you can think of.
Noa thinks the new rice cooker is the best thing since sliced bread.
Kofi's grandmother says her electric blanket is the best thing since sliced bread.
your Sunday best
idiomthe smartest, neatest clothes someone owns, usually saved for special days like weddings, church, or family gatherings.
Bao put on his Sunday best before the family photo at his cousin's wedding.
Grandpa still wears his Sunday best every time he visits the cemetery.
best — adjective
1. better than every other one of its kind, or more suitable, enjoyable, or useful
better than every other one of its kind, or more suitable, enjoyable, or useful for a particular purpose than any other choice.
Mateo thinks his grandmother makes the best dumplings in the whole town.
the best + noun + in + place
For Kofi, walking his dog by the river is the best way to relax after a long workday.
the best way + to-infinitive
Bao won the prize for the best costume at the school party.
the best + noun (singular award)
The little café next to the train station serves the best iced coffee Noa has ever tasted.
Spring is the best time of year for hiking in the mountains north of Taipei.
the best + noun + for + -ing
- the best way
- the best time
- the best place
- the best friend
- the best choice
- by far the best
- easily the best
- worst
direct opposite — lowest in quality or least suitable
Grammar Patterns
the best + noun
the best + (noun) + to-infinitive
the best + (noun) + for + noun/-ing
Usage Note
Almost always used with 'the' or a possessive. When you want to say what something is best for, use 'for' + noun or '-ing' (the best tool for cutting bread); when you want to say what someone uses it to do, use 'to-infinitive' (the best way to cut bread).
Common Mistakes
best — adverb
1. in the way that suits, pleases, or works for someone or something more than any
in the way that suits, pleases, or works for someone or something more than any other way; the superlative form of the adverb 'well'.
Of all the singers in the choir, Mateo sings best at high notes.
verb + best for ranking ability
Bao works best when the office is quiet and the lights are low.
best + when-clause showing ideal condition
Kofi knows the city best because he grew up there.
verb + best to mean 'more than anyone'
Aunt Rosa's tomato plants grow best in warm soil with plenty of afternoon sunshine.
grow/work/fit + best in [condition]
The red dress fits Kalani best out of the three she tried on.
- works best
- fits best
- knows best
- grows best
- sells best
- most successfully
longer phrase; emphasises achieving a good result
- most effectively
stresses producing the desired effect
- worst
the direct opposite — in the least successful way
Grammar Patterns
verb + best
best + past participle
Usage Note
Always used after the verb it modifies, never before it. Often followed by 'when', 'in', or 'at' to name the condition under which something works most successfully.
Common Mistakes
2. to the highest level or amount, used together with adjectives starting with 'goo
to the highest level or amount, used together with adjectives starting with 'good-' or 'well-' (for example 'well-known' or 'well-liked') to make their superlative form.
Noa is the best-known violinist in our small town.
best + hyphenated participle adjective
Tuna sushi is one of the best-loved foods at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo.
best-loved as superlative of well-loved
Dr. Nadia wrote the best-selling cookbook of last year.
best-selling as compound modifier
The garden was the best-kept secret on Maple Street.
best + past participle for superlative quality
- best-known
- best-loved
- best-selling
- best-dressed
- best-kept
- most
used with regular adjectives; 'best' is reserved for 'good-/well-' compounds
- least
least-known, least-loved — opposite end of the same scale
Grammar Patterns
best + past participle
best + adjective starting with 'well-'
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense never stands alone — it must combine with a hyphenated past participle or 'well-' word (best-known, best-loved, best-dressed). Sense 1 modifies a verb on its own.
Common Mistakes
3. as an adverb modifying a verb of action ('found', 'cooked', 'answered'), within
as an adverb modifying a verb of action ('found', 'cooked', 'answered'), within the limits of the speaker's ability at that moment; appears almost only in the frame 'as best [one] can/could' to soften any judgement of the result.
With only an old map, Noa found his way through the forest as best he could.
fixed phrase: as best + subject + can/could
The children answered the teacher's questions as best they could in English.
as best + plural subject + could
Aunt Rosa cooked dinner as best she could after hurting her wrist.
shows effort despite difficulty
We packed the broken vase as best we could before the long flight home.
- as best he could
- as best she can
- as best we could
- do as best you can
- as well as one can
more neutral; 'as best one can' often hints at limited resources
Grammar Patterns
as best (one) can
do as best (one) can
Usage Note
Almost always appears in the fixed frame 'as best [pronoun] can/could'. Note there is no 'as' before 'as best he could' — unlike 'as well as he could'. Use this phrase to admit the result may be imperfect.
Common Mistakes
at best
idiomused before a positive statement to show that even the most hopeful view of a situation is still not very good.
The little café serves average coffee at best, but the cake is wonderful.
At best, the old car will last another two winters before it breaks down.
best of all
idiomused to introduce the most pleasing or exciting fact in a list of good things.
The hotel had a pool, free breakfast, and best of all, a view of the harbour.
Kofi got a new bike, a puppy, and best of all, a trip to Kyoto for his birthday.
know best
idiomto be the person who understands a situation more clearly than others and can decide wisely.
When it comes to baking bread, Grandma knows best.
The doctor knows best about which medicine Noa should take.
best — auxiliary verb
1. in the pattern 'had best' (often shortened to 'd best) plus a plain verb, to war
in the pattern 'had best' (often shortened to 'd best) plus a plain verb, to warn someone firmly that doing the action is the wise or safe choice, with the hint that ignoring the advice will cause trouble.
You'd best leave now if you want to catch the last train to Taipei.
had best + bare infinitive for strong advice
Noa had best apologize to his sister before their mother gets home.
full form 'had best' with named subject
We'd best take an umbrella because the sky looks very dark.
contracted 'd best with reason clause
The children had best finish their homework before dinner is ready.
plural subject with full 'had best' form
You'd best not tell Grandma about the broken vase in the kitchen.
negative form: had best + not + bare infinitive
- you'd best
- we'd best
- had best leave
- had best go
- had best not
- had better
near-identical meaning and pattern; slightly more common than 'had best' in everyday speech.
- should
weaker advice; lacks the 'or there will be trouble' warning tone of 'had best'.
- ought to
more general moral or sensible advice; less urgent than 'had best'.
Grammar Patterns
subject + had best + bare infinitive
'd best + bare infinitive (contracted)
Usage Note
Always uses the past form 'had' (often contracted to 'd) even when talking about the present or future; never use 'has best' or 'have best'. The verb that follows is a bare infinitive — no 'to'. For the negative, place 'not' between 'best' and the verb ('You'd best not stay').
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
All five words label something as standing above the rest, but they fit different situations. 'Best' is the everyday, all-purpose superlative — it works for people, things, choices, and outcomes in any register, from a child's drawing to a company report. 'Finest' carries a note of pride, polish, or craft; you praise the finest wine, the finest hour, the finest soldiers, but rarely 'the finest answer to question 3'. 'Top' is informal and ranking-flavoured — top student, top scorer, top floor — and points to a numbered or visible position rather than overall merit. 'Greatest' suggests scale, lasting impact, or fame: the greatest goalkeeper of all time, her greatest achievement. 'Optimum' is technical and used in science, planning, or engineering for the most effective level of something measurable, such as the optimum temperature or optimum dose. So you might say 'the best cake at the bakery', 'the bakery's finest sourdough', 'their top-selling cake', 'the greatest cake of her career', and 'the optimum baking time' — each with a slightly different focus.
Common collocations
Nouns
- best friend
- best wishes
- best chance
- best option
- best choice
- best time
- best way
- best player
- best result
- best example
Adverbs
- by far the best
- easily the best
- arguably the best
- clearly the best
- simply the best
Phrases
- the best of both worlds
- do one's best
- at one's best
- all the best
- second best
- next best thing
- best-known
- best-selling
- best in class
- for the best
Prepositions
- best for
- best at
- best in
- best of
- best among
- best out of
Etymology
'Best' is the irregular superlative of 'good' and 'well', and the two have been linked in English since before written records. The Old English form was 'betst' (with earlier 'betest'), built from the same Germanic root as 'better'. Both 'better' and 'best' originally belonged to a different word — Proto-Germanic 'bat-' meaning 'good, useful' — which lost its positive form, leaving these two comparative shapes to attach themselves to 'good'. The 't' was dropped over time, giving modern 'best'. The verb 'to best' (meaning to defeat) appeared much later, in the early 1800s, formed directly from the adjective.