Language Research

best · adjective

/best/Full view

best

A1 (superlative of good) better than any other

Dictionary examples:

She was my best friend.

This is the best meal I've ever had.

He's one of our best students.

Are you sure this is the best way of doing it?

Your parents only want what is best for you.

Learner example:

She likes [to] meet me every day because we are best friend[s]. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Bengali)

best wishes

A2 something that you write at the end of a letter

Dictionary example:

With best wishes, Anna

Learner example:

With best wishes, (Key English Test; A2; Russian)

the next best thing

C1 the thing that is best, if you cannot have or do the thing you really want

Dictionary example:

Coaching baseball is the next best thing to playing.

Learner example:

For many working people, there is hardly time to cook and prepare your dinner, so the next best thing is to rush into a M[cD]onalds' or Burger King. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Yapese)

your best bet

C2 Someone’s best bet is the action most likely to be successful.

Dictionary example:

If you want to get to the theater on time, your best bet is to get a cab.

Learner example:

The international cuisine chef can whip up some delicious creations from time to time; but your best bet is to go for one of the delicious steaks served. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

best · adverb

/best/

best (MOST)

A1 (superlative ofwell) most, or more than any other

Dictionary examples:

Which of the songs did you like best?

They were the best-dressed couple at the party.

Learner example:

I like Australia best. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

best (MOST SUITABLE)

B1 (superlative ofwell) in the most suitable or satisfactory way

Dictionary examples:

I sleep best with the window open.

The Grand Canyon is best seen at sunset when it seems to change color.

Learner example:

It would be best if you c[a]me on Wednesday 27th. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

know best

C2 to be the most suitable person to have responsibility and make important decisions

Dictionary example:

When it comes to dealing with my own son, I think I know best.

Learner example:

How true is that expression "Father knows best." If my father [was alive] today he would probably be laughing his head off. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

best · noun

/best/

all the best

A2 used to say that you hope someone will be happy, healthy, successful, etc., often when saying goodbye

Dictionary examples:

Well, all the best - it was nice meeting you.

Please wish him all the best in his new job.

Learner example:

I want to wish you all the best! (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Polish)

the best

B1 someone or something that is better than any other

Dictionary examples:

I like all of Hitchcock's films, but I think "Notorious" is the best.

Chris and I are the best of friends.

Learner example:

The trip was the best I have ever been [on] in my life. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

at his/its, etc. best

B1 at the highest level of achievement or quality

Dictionary example:

The article is an example of journalism at its best.

Learner example:

I enjoyed this trip because we got to stay in the countryside and [see] nature at its very best. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

do/try your best

B1 to make the greatest effort possible

Dictionary example:

I did my best to persuade him.

Learner example:

And the police said that they will try their best. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

make the best of sth

B2 to try to be positive about a situation you do not like but cannot change

Dictionary example:

Our hotel room is pretty small, but we'll just have to make the best of it.

Learner example:

Unfortunately I don't have very much spare time so we will have to arrange it carefully in order to make the best of your time in London. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

(have) the best of both worlds

C1 to have the advantages of two different situations

Dictionary example:

Living in the country and working in the city you have the best of both worlds.

Learner example:

Only those that can afford to live in the suburban areas can combine the best of both worlds and they tend to be rather affluent. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

at best

C2 used to show that the most positive way of considering something is still not good

Dictionary example:

If he drops the course now, at best he’ll get an incomplete, and he could fail.

Learner example:

Then, due to the social standards, the old find themselves being abandoned and helpless. At best, such people are hospitalized. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

for the best

C2 If something is for the best, it seems unpleasant now, but will improve a situation in the future.

Dictionary example:

Moving to a smaller apartment really was for the best.

Learner example:

It's a kind of sad thing to think about but maybe it's for the best. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Danish)

bring out the best in sb

C2 to cause someone's best qualities to show

Dictionary example:

This chance to work with young people has really brought out the best in him.

Learner example:

TV can be a babysitter, but such a relationship is not going to bring out the best in a child. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

at the best of times

C2 used to show that something is not good when it is the best it can be

Dictionary example:

He's not exactly patient at the best of times.

Learner example:

They knew that even at the best of times he looked unpleasant but now he was of [a] completely different [appearance]. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)