best
英 [best]
美 [best]
adj. 最好的
adv. 最；最好地
n. 最好的人(或物)
v. 优于；打败
good better best
词源：
O.E., reduced by assimilation of -t- from earlier O.E. betst “best, first, in the best manner,” originally superlative of bot “remedy, reparation,” the root word now only surviving in to boot (see boot (2)), though its comparative, better, and superlative, best, transferred to good (and in some cases well). From P.Gmc. root *bat-, with comp. *batizon and superl. *batistaz. The verb “to get the better of” is from 1863. Best-seller is from 1889; best friend was in Chaucer (late 14c.). Best girl is first attested 1887 in a Texas context; best man is 1814, originally Scottish, replacing groomsman.
词根记忆：
a.
最好的(good和well最高级)ad.最好地;最
This picture is the best I have seen.
这张是我见过画得最好的画.
英语词根词缀记忆词典
词根记忆
a.
最好的(good和well最高级)ad.最好地;最
This picture is the best I have seen.
这张是我见过画得最好的画.
2. 动词like与love可以用副词very much来修饰，但是用like时very much的最高级不是most而是best（用love时则best与most均可）。反义语dislike与hate则只能用most。
3. 本来两件事物作比较，最好的一件是the better one；多件事物作比较，最好的一件是the best one。Best用作副词也是如此，但是不严格，可以用于两件事物的比较。【例如】Which season do you like best, summer or winter? 你最喜欢夏天还是冬天？
4. 作为形容词，best可以不指质量上的“最好（部分）”而是指数量上的“最大（部分）”。【例如】the best part of a week一周的大部分时间 / the best part of one’s life一生的大部分时间。
5. 作为名词，best可以表示“最大的收益”。【例如】She knows how to bring out the best in her students. 她懂得如何发掘学生们最大的潜力。/ He always gets the best out of his employees. 他总是使自己的雇员们发挥最大的力量。/ Just make the best of the opportunity. 有这个机会就好好利用吧。但是get the best of somebody有“打败某人”或“从某人身上捞到最大便宜”的负面意义。【例如】Don’t let those people get the best of you. 别让那些人占你的便宜。Make the best of a bad job中，job不一定真的指“工作”、“差事”，而是指“条件不利”，只能尽力而为。
6. best作为名词，有时候容易被误解为形容词最高级。【例如】Still, the policy— which seems impractical if not unenforceable—may be the best university officials can do, short of putting cameras in students’ dorm rooms. (The Daily Gazette, Schenectady, New York, March 21, 2007, editorial) 虽然如此，但是这个规定（看来似乎不实际，甚至是无法执行的）可能是大学主管人员所能采取的最上策了，除非在学生宿舍的房间里装上录像机。这一句中的best，不能同university officials连在一起，误解成“最好的大学主管人员”。它是个名词，同university officials之间本来有个关系代词that略去了。
7. best虽然是最高级，但是在修辞中往往同否定一起使用，作为一种婉转的说法表示“不佳”（直译是“并不最好”），但其实并不一定是“次好”，也许可能是最坏的。【例如】Risking his career didn’t seem like the best of options. 拿自己的事业来冒风险，看来实非上策。/… a sailor’s life is not the best school of morals.(John Fowles, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Chapter 6, p. 35) 海员的生活本来就是不检点的。 这种否定最高级，是很常用的修辞手段，中英文也有共通之处。
8. best作为副词，放在to be之后，一个动词过去分词之前，往往可以表示一种判断，即“最好对之加以（某种行动）”，此时这个to be pp尽管pp的动词是瞬时的第四类动词，也可以用一般现在时，因为这个句子已经不是通常意义上的叙述句，而是一个判断句，相当于It is best to inf. X (X本是主语，但在此相当于宾语)。【例如】Going to court can be an expensive, time consuming and gut wrenching experience that is best avoided. 打官司费钱费时间，又揪心揪肺，最好避免（参见better条之7. ）。
1．at best 和 at the best 意思相同，都作“就最乐观的一方面看”或“充其量”解。例如：At (the) best, the sick old man will live another year or two. at his best, at her best 等表达方式作“在他（或她）的最佳状态”解。例如：He is at his best in writing short essays.
2．不可说a best book, a best boy 等。
3．had best 跟 had better 同义，但不很普通。
4．get（有时用 have）the best of（胜过，占……的上风）是美国英语，相当于英国英语 get the better of。
5．best seller 指“畅销书”，有时指这种书的著作人，有时指畅销的唱片等。
6．It is best that he (should) read the book once more 里的 should 可有可无。
1 best /ˈbɛst/ adjective
superlative form of 1good or of 2well
1
a : better than all others in quality or value最好的；最佳的；最优秀的
You should wear your best clothes tonight.
你今晚应该穿上最好的衣服。
He took us to the (very) best restaurants in the city.
他带我们到城里最好的餐厅吃饭。
We ate the best food and drank the best wines.
我们吃的是最好的菜，喝的是最好的酒。
You’re our best customers.
您是我们最尊贵的客户。
His modesty and sense of humor are his best qualities.
谦虚和幽默是他最优秀的品德。
Is that your best offer?
这是你们最优惠的报价吗？
I’ve had the best time with you! [=I’ve had a very enjoyable time with you]
和你在一起，我度过了一段最美好的时光！
The best [=most valuable] things in life are free.
生命中最珍贵的东西是无价的。
Which of these do you think tastes best?
这些东西当中你觉得哪种最好吃？
Mary sends you her very best wishes/regards.
玛丽向您致以最美好的祝愿/最诚挚的问候。
He’s my best friend. [=my closest/dearest friend] = He and I are best friends.
他是我最要好的朋友。
b : most skillful, talented, or successful最熟练的；最有才能的；最出色的
She’s the best student in her class.
她是班上最优秀的学生。
He won the award for best actor in a drama.
他获得了戏剧最佳男演员奖。
the team’s best player
队里最出色的选手
2
: most appropriate, useful, or helpful最适当的；最有用的；最有帮助的
She truly believes that this is the best way to solve the problem.
她深信这是解决问题的最佳方法。
She’s the team’s best hope/chance for a medal.
她是队里最有希望/可能拿奖牌的队员。
She thought waiting was best. = She thought that the best thing to do was to wait. = She thought that it was best to wait.
她认为等待是最好的办法。
It’s best to leave early if you want to be sure of arriving on time.
要想确保准时到达，你最好早点出发。
We want to do what’s best for you.
我们想做对你最有帮助的事情。
He’s the best man for the job.
他是这项工作的最佳人选。
You should do whatever you think is the best thing to do. = You should do whatever you think best.
你认为怎样做最好就怎样去做。
We’re making the best possible use of these materials.
我们正在尽可能地充分利用这些材料。
best of all
◊ The phrase best of all is often used to refer to the most important or appealing part of something that has many good parts.（某物）最重要的部分，最吸引人的部分
The machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and best of all, it’s absolutely free when you order these books.
这台机器操作简单，容易清洗，最重要的是，如果订购这些书，您将免费获赠一台。
next best
◊ A person or thing that is next best is not as good as the best person or thing but is better than all others.仅次于最好的；居第二位的
The shortstop is the best player on the team, and the catcher is the next best player.
这个棒球队里最出色的球员是游击手，其次是接球手。
We can’t see each other often, but calling each other on the telephone is the next best thing.
虽然不能经常见面，但是互通电话是我们不错的选择。
on your best behavior
◊ If you are on your best behavior you are behaving very politely and well.表现礼貌得体
Remember to be on your best behavior with your grandmother.
到你奶奶那儿记住要乖乖的。
The children promised to be on their best behavior.
孩子们答应会表现得很乖。
2 best /ˈbɛst/ adverb
superlative form of 1well
1
: in the best way : in a way that is better than all others最好地
The sauce is best served/eaten/enjoyed cold.
这种酱汁凉着吃味道最好。
His cooking is best described as spicy. = It can best be described as spicy.
他做菜的最大特点就是辣。
: with the most success or benefit最成功地；最有成效地
They work best under pressure.
他们在压力之下干得最出色。
That’s what we do best!
那正是我们最擅长的！
We need to think about how best to fix this problem.
我们需要考虑怎样才能最好地解决这个问题。
This is a job best left to the professionals. [=it’s better/best to allow professional workers to do this job]
这项工作最好留给专家们去做。
Some things are best left unsaid. [=it’s better/best not to talk about some things]
有些事情还是不说为妙。
2
: to the greatest degree or extent : most最；最高程度地；最大限度地
That’s the one we liked (the) best.
那是我们最喜欢的。
The work should be done by the people who are best able to do it.
这项工作应该由最有能力的人去完成。
She’s best suited to life in the city.
她最适合在城市生活。
He is best known for his invention of the lightbulb.
他最著名的发明是电灯泡。
The museum features some of the best-known examples of this style of painting.
这家博物馆的特色是藏有这种画风的最为知名的一些经典作品。
the industry’s best-kept secret
行业最高机密
as best you can or the best (that) you can
: as well, skillfully, or accurately as you can尽最大努力
She answered their questions as best she could. [=as well as she could]
她尽力回答了他们的问题。
You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just do it the best you can.
你无须做到完美，尽力而为即可。
had best
◊ If you had best do something, you should do it.最好；应当
You’d best get ready for school. [=you’d better get ready for school; you should get ready for school]
你最好为上学做好准备。
Hadn’t you best get ready for school?
你难道不该为上学做好准备吗？
3 best /ˈbɛst/ noun
[singular]
1
the best : the best person or thing最好的人；最佳的东西
Out of all of my workers, he’s the best.
在我的所有员工当中，他是最出色的。
Our company is the best in the business.
我们公司是业内最成功的一家。
Thanks, Dad. You’re the best!
谢谢，老爸。您是最棒的！
I have one more gift for you, and I saved the best for last.
我还有一份礼物送给你，我可是把这最好的留到最后。
: the best group of people or things最优秀的人群；最好的事物
Our store sells nothing but the best. = We sell only the best. [=the best products]
本店只出售最佳商品。
She’s one of the best in the world. = She’s among the best.
她是世界级顶尖人物之一。
Bad things happen to the best of us.
我们当中最优秀的人也会碰上倒霉的时候。
They want the best for their children.
他们都想给自己的孩子提供最好的条件。
Even in the best of times, we had trouble paying our bills.
即使在境况最好的时候，我们也付不起账单。
In the best of all possible worlds, no one would be without food and clean water.
在最理想的世界里，人人都有食物吃，有干净的水喝。
He can compete with the best of them. [=he can compete as well as anyone]
他能与他们中的佼佼者媲美。
We were the best of friends. [=we were very good friends]
我们曾是至交。
I have a wonderful family and a great job, so I feel that I have the best of both worlds.
我有美满的家庭和不错的工作，真可谓两全其美。
Problems can occur even in/under the best of circumstances. [=even if the situation is as good as possible]
即使在最理想的情况下，也可能出现问题。
All of the students are good, but these three are the best of the bunch. [=the best ones in the group]
所有的学生都很优秀，但这三个是尖子中的尖子。
— see also sunday best
2
: someone’s or something’s most effective, capable, or successful condition最佳状态；鼎盛时期— used in phrases like at your best and at its best用于at your best、at its best等短语
He’s at his best in front of a live audience.
他在现场观众面前状态最好。
She’s at her best in the morning.
早上她的状态最好。
This is democracy at its best.
这是民主的最佳体现。
3
: the highest level that you can do or achieve（所能达到的）最大限度，最高程度
Was that your best? = Was that the best you could do?
那是你的极限吗？
No one expects you to do the job perfectly. Just do your best. = Just do the best you can. [=do as well as you can]
没人指望你尽善尽美，尽力而为即可。
He did his best to help them.
他尽自己的最大努力去帮助他们。
Her time in the race was a personal best. [=it was the fastest time she had ever achieved]
这次比赛的结果是她个人的最好成绩。
(all) for the best
: having or producing a better result结果会是好的— used to say that something will have a good result even though it was not the intended result用于说明尽管看来不尽如人意，但结果会是好的
I won’t be able to go, but maybe it’s all for the best. I have a lot of work to do anyway.
我去不了了，但也许这倒是一件好事，毕竟我还有很多工作要做。
(all) the best
◊ If you wish someone (all) the best, you hope that person will be happy and successful.美满幸福；万事如意
We wish you all the best in your new job.
祝你在新的工作岗位上一切顺利。
at best
— used to refer to a result, condition, etc., that is the best one possible even though it is not very good至多；充其量
The company won’t make a profit this year. At best, they’ll break even.
公司今年不会赢利，充其量不亏不赚。
The work won’t be finished for another three months at best.
这项工作最快也要再干三个月才能完成。
best of luck
— see 1luck
best (out) of three (five, seven, etc.)
— used to say that the winner of a series of games will be the one who has won the most times after three (five, seven, etc.) games have been played三局两胜（或五局三胜、七局四胜等）
bring out the best in
◊ If someone or something brings out the best in you, that person or thing helps you to use or show your best qualities.发掘…的最优秀品质
She seems to bring out the best in him.
看来她把他最好的一面发掘了出来。
Performing in front of an audience brings out the best in me. [=I perform better when I am in front of an audience]
在观众面前表演使我呈现出了最好的一面。
feel your best
: to feel very healthy气色好；感觉身体健康
Exercise helps you look and feel your best.
锻炼能让你面色红润，神清气爽。
I’m not feeling my best this morning. [=I’m not feeling very well this morning]
今天早上我不太舒服。
get the best of
◊ If an emotion or feeling gets the best of you, it causes you to do something that you should not do or that you are trying not to do.使得意忘形；使冲昏头脑；使忘乎所以
I did get a little carried away. I guess the excitement got the best of me. [=got the better of me]
我确实有点失态。我想是激动得忘乎所以了。
Their emotions have gotten the best of them.
高涨的情绪使他们失去了理智。
know best or know what’s best
— see 1know
look your best
: to look very good : to look as attractive and pleasant as possible保持最佳状态
Try to look your best when interviewing for a job.
求职面试时，要努力展现自己最好的一面。
make the best of
1
: to use (something) in an effective way充分利用
We may not get another chance, so we need to make the best of this opportunity.
我们也许不会再有机会了，因此我们要充分把握这次机会。
2
: to deal with (a bad situation) as well as possible（在困境中）尽力而为
Life is not very good right now—but let’s try to make the best of it.
眼下日子不太好过，但我们还是尽力让逆境为我们所用吧。
We’re trying to make the best (out) of a bad situation. = (Brit) We’re trying to make the best of a bad job.
我们正设法在不利情况下尽量妥善地处理问题。
the best is yet to come/be
— used to say that good things have happened but that even better things will happen in the future更好的还在后面
Life is good now, but the best is yet to come.
现在的日子过得不错，但更好的日子还在后头。
to the best of my knowledge
— see knowledge
to the best of your ability
: as well as you are able to竭尽所能
Every game, we go out and play to the best of our ability.
我们每场比赛都倾尽全力地去拼。
to the best of your belief
— see belief
4 best /ˈbɛst/ verb
bests; bested; besting [+ object]
: to do better than (someone or something) : to defeat or outdo (someone or something)胜过；战胜；击败
They were bested [=beaten] by their opponents in the opening game.
他们在开幕战中被对手击败。
best adjective
/best/
/best/
superlative of goodgood 的最高级
Idioms
of the most excellent type or quality最好的；最出色的；最优秀的
That’s the best movie I’ve ever seen!那是我看过的最棒的电影！
He wrote his best songs before he was 25.他在25岁之前就创作了最好的歌曲。
She was one of the best tennis players of her generation.她是同辈中最出色的网球运动员之一。
Is that your best suit?那是你最漂亮的一套衣服吗？
They’ve been best friends (= closest friends) since they were children.他们从孩提时起就是最要好的朋友。
the company’s best-ever results公司有史以来最大的成就
We want the kids to have the best possible education.我们想让孩子们接受尽可能最好的教育。
Extra Examples
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
giving most pleasure; happiest最愉快的；最幸福的
Those were the best years of my life.那些年是我一生最幸福的时光。
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
most suitable or appropriate最合适的；最恰当的
What’s the best way to cook steak?牛排怎么做最好？
He’s the best man for the job.他是担任这项工作的最佳人选。
The best thing to do would be to apologize.最恰当的做法应该是道歉。
It’s best if you go now.你最好现在就走。
I’m not in the best position to advise you.给你提建议，我不是很适合。
Owen judged it best to make no reply.欧文认为最好不作答复。
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
Word Origin
Idioms
Idioms containing best adj. are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example on your best behaviour is at behaviour.
best adverb
/best/
/best/
superlative of well, often used in adjectives
Idioms
most; to the greatest extent最；最高程度地
Which one do you like best?你最喜欢哪一个？
Well-drained soil suits the plant best.排水性好的土壤最适合于这种植物。
her best-known poem她的最有名的诗
in the most excellent way; to the highest standard最出色地；最高标准地
He works best in the mornings.他早上工作效率最高。
Britain’s best-dressed woman英国最佳穿戴女士
The beaches are beautiful, but, best of all, there are very few tourists.这些海滩很美，最妙的是游客稀少。
in the most suitable or appropriate way最适合地；最恰当地
Painting is best done in daylight.作画的最佳时间是白天。
Do as you think best (= what you think is the most suitable thing to do).你觉得怎么好，就怎么办吧。
Word Origin
Idioms
as best you can
not perfectly but as well as you are able尽可能；尽力
We’ll manage as best we can.我们将尽力处理。
be (best) remembered for something | be (best) remembered as something
to be famous or known for a particular thing that you have done in the past因某事而成名（或名留青史）
He is best remembered as the man who brought jazz to England.他因为将爵士音乐传到英国而为人们所熟知。
She is best remembered for her first book, ‘In the Ditch’.她因第一部作品《在沟里 》为人们所熟知。
best noun
/best/
/best/
[singular]
(usually the best)
Idioms
the most excellent thing or person最好的事物（或人）
We all want the best for our children.我们都想给孩子提供最好的条件。
They only buy the best.他们只买最好的。
They’re all good players, but she’s the best of all.他们都是优秀运动员，而她更是其中的佼佼者。
We’re the best of friends (= very close friends).我们是至交。
the highest standard that somebody/something can reach（人或事物所能达到的）最高标准
She always brings out the best in people.她总是让人表现出最优秀的品质。
The town looks its best (= is most attractive) in the spring.这个小镇在春天景色最美。
Don’t worry about the exam—just do your best.别担心考试，尽你的最大努力吧。
The roses are past their best now.这些玫瑰花已开败了。
I don’t really feel at my best today.我今天状态不佳。
something that is as close as possible to what you need or want最合乎要求的事物
Fifty pounds is the best I can offer you.我顶多出五十英镑。
The best we can hope for in the game is a draw.我们至多能希望比赛打成平局。
the highest standard that a particular person has reached, especially in a sport（个人的）最高水平，最高纪录
a lifetime best of 12.0 seconds12.0 秒的毕生最好成绩
see also personal best
Word Origin
Idioms
all the best
(informal) used when you are saying goodbye to somebody or ending a letter, to give somebody your good wishes（告别用语或书信结语）祝一切顺利，万事如意
at best
used for saying what is the best opinion you can have of somebody/something, or the best thing that can happen, when the situation is bad（表达最正面的看法或恶劣状况下可能出现的最好转机）充其量
Their response to the proposal was, at best, cool.他们对提议的反应充其量只能说是漠然置之。
We can’t arrive before Friday at best.我们无论如何星期五之前也到不了。
Topics Opinion and argumentC2
be (all) for the best
used to say that although something appears bad or unpleasant now, it will be good in the end结局总会好的
I don’t want you to leave, but perhaps it’s for the best.我并不想让你走，但也许还是走的好。
Topics SuccessC2
the best of a bad bunch/lot
(especially British English, informal) a person or thing that is a little better than the rest of a group, although none are very good一群（或堆）坏的里较好者；矮子中的将军
the best/pick of the bunch
the best out of a group of people or things出类拔萃的人（或事物）；精英；精品
the best of luck (with something) | good luck (with something)
(informal) used to wish somebody success with something祝成功；祝好运
The best of luck with your exams.祝你考试成功！
Good luck! I hope it goes well.祝你交好运！我希望这事进展顺利。
(ironic) ‘I’m going to try giving up social media for a year.’ ‘Good luck with that (= I don’t think you will succeed).’“我将尝试放弃社交媒体一年。” “祝你好运。”
Topics SuccessC1
the best of three, five, etc.
(especially in games and sports尤指游戏和体育比赛) up to three, five, etc. games played to decide who wins, the winner being the person who wins most of them三局两胜（或五局三胜等）
the best that money can buy
the very best佳品；精品；极品
We make sure our clients get the best that money can buy.我们确保客户买到最好的产品。
do, mean, etc. something for the best
to do or say something in order to achieve a good result or to help somebody为美好的目的；出于好意
I just don’t know what to do for the best.我就是弄不清做什么才好。
I’m sorry if my advice offended you—I meant it for the best.如果我的建议冒犯了你，我很抱歉。但我原本是出于好意。
Topics SuccessC1
have/get the best of something
to gain more advantage from something than somebody else获胜；胜过；占上风
I thought you had the best of that discussion.我以为你在那场讨论中占了上风。
hope for the best
to hope that something will happen successfully, especially where it seems likely that it will not希望某事顺利；寄予最大的希望
I’m just going to answer all the questions I can and hope for the best.我将回答所有可能的问题，并希望能做到最好。
Topics SuccessC2
make the best of something/it | make the best of things | make the best of a bad job
to accept a bad or difficult situation and do as well as you can尽力而为
your Sunday best
(informal, humorous) your best clothes自己最好的衣服
I put on my Sunday best for the occasion.我尽量把星期天放在这个场合。
to the best of your knowledge/belief
as far as you know据某人所知（或了解）
He never made a will, to the best of my knowledge.据我所知，他从未立过遗嘱。
with the best (of them)
as well as anyone不亚于任何人；不比任何人差
He’ll be out there, dancing with the best of them.他将出现在舞池中，跳得不亚于任何人。
best verb
/best/
/best/
[usually passive] (formal)
Verb Forms
to defeat or be more successful than somebody打败；胜过
be bested (by somebody) He was determined not to be bested by his old rival.他决心不被他的老对手击败。
A great colonial power was nearly bested by a few farmers.一个殖民强国差点儿被几个农场主打败。
Topics SuccessC2
Word Origin
Best
/best/
/best/
a British magazine for women that contains articles on health, fashion, sex, food, famous people and entertainment. It first appeared in 1987 and is published every week.
best1 /best/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective [superlative of good]
1better than anything else or anyone else in quality, skill, how effective it is etc:
He won the best actor award.
What’s the best way to cook this fish?
The best thing to do is to stop worrying.
it’s best to do something
It’s best to go later in the season.
easily the best/by far the best
(=much better than anything else)
John’s idea is by far the best option.
Our pilots are given the best possible training.
We use only the very best ingredients.
2best friend the friend that you know and like better than anyone else:
She was my best friend in college.
3best dress/shoes/clothes etc clothing that you keep for special occasions:
I put on my best suit for the wedding.
4the next best thing something that is not exactly what you want but is as similar to it as possible:
If sterile equipment isn’t available, the next best thing is to clean equipment with disinfectant.
5best of all used to introduce the fact about a situation that is even better than the other good things:
It’s clean and well-located, but best of all, it’s affordable.
6best before British English written on food packets with the date that the food should be eaten before:
Best before 13 July.
a best-before date
→ be on your best behaviour at behaviour(2), → your best bet at bet2(2), → the best/better part of at part1(6)
COLLOCATIONS
ADVERBS
the very best
· He’s one of the very best players around.
easily the best
· The series was easily the best TV drama this year.
by far the best
· One girl stood out as by far the best singer.
ADJECTIVES
the best possible
· We sold the house at the best possible time.
the best available
· The tuition we offer here is the best available.
NOUNS
the best way to do/of doing something
· The best way to learn a language is to live in a country where it is spoken.
the best thing to do
· The best thing to do is to apologize immediately.
the best way forward
(=the best way to make progress or deal with a problem)
· We believe that a merger is the best way forward for the business.
make the best use of something
· Making the best use of space is important in any room.
adjective | adverb | noun | verb
best2 ●●● S1 W2 adverb [superlative of well]
1in a way that is better than any other:
It works best if you let it warm up first.
This can best be described as a series of steps.
the best-dressed man in Paris
2to the greatest degree SYN most:
You know him best – you should ask him.
The part I like best is the meal afterwards.
He’s perhaps best known for his role in ‘Midnight Cowboy’.
3as best you can spoken as well as you can, even if this is not very good:
I’ll try and fix it as best I can.
4had best spoken ought to:
We’d best be getting back.
→ had better at better2(3)
adjective | adverb | noun | verb
best3 ●●● S2 W2 noun
1the best
a)the most helpful, most successful etc situation or results that you can achieve:
We all want the best for our children.
It’s the best we can do in the circumstances.
b)the person or thing that is better than any other:
She’s the best of the new young writers.
2do your best to try as hard as you can to do something:
As long as you do your best, we’ll be happy.
do your best to do something
She did her best to make him comfortable.
3at best used to emphasize that something is not very good, pleasant, honest etc even if you consider it in the best possible way:
The campaign was at best only partially successful.
The technique is at best ineffective and at worst dangerous.
4to the best of your knowledge/belief/ability etc used to say that something is as much as you know, believe, or are able to do:
I’m sure he’ll do the work to the best of his ability.
5the best of something used to refer to something very good:
We wish him the best of luck with this venture.
He hasn’t been in the best of health lately.
They didn’t part on the best of terms.
They became the best of friends (=very close friends).
6with the best of intentions/for the best of reasons used to mean that someone does something with good intentions or for good reasons, even if the result is not always good:
I’m sure he went there with the best of intentions.
7the best of both worlds a situation in which you have the advantages of two different things without any of the disadvantages:
They live in a village but it’s only an hour from London, so they have the best of both worlds.
8at your best performing as well or effectively as you are able to:
At her best, she’s a really stylish player.
He was never at his best early in the morning.
9make the best of something (also make the best of a bad job/situation etc British English) to accept a situation that is not very good, and do whatever you can to make it better:
We are stuck here, so we might as well make the best of it.
10all the best used to express good wishes to someone for the future:
We’d just like to wish him all the best in his new job.
best for
All the best for the New Year!
11at the best of times if something is not very good, pleasant etc at the best of times, it is usually even worse than this:
It’s crowded at the best of times, but today it was unbearable.
12the best of a bad lot/bunch British English the least bad person or thing in a group of not very good people or things
13be for the best especially spoken used to say that a particular event may seem bad now, but might have a good result later:
I still don’t want him to go, but maybe it’s for the best.
14your Sunday best old-fashioned your best clothes, that you only wear on special occasions
adjective | adverb | noun | verb
best4 verb [transitive]
old-fashioned to defeat someone
1. Best is the superlative of good .
If you want further information the best thing to do is have a word with the driver as you get on the bus…
如果你想了解更多信息，最好的办法是在上公交车时问一问司机。
It’s not the best place to live if you wish to develop your knowledge and love of mountains.
如果你想增长知识、培养登山爱好的话，这可不是最好的地方。
2. Best is the superlative of well .
James Fox is best known as the author of White Mischief.
詹姆斯·福克斯以《欲望城》一书最为出名。
3.N-SING 单数名词最好的；绝佳的 The best is used to refer to things of the highest quality or standard.
【搭配模式】：the N
We offer only the best to our clients…
我们只把最好的服务提供给客户。
He’ll have the best of care.
他会得到最好的照顾。
4.N-SING 单数名词最大努力；最高成就；最好水平 Someone’s best is the greatest effort or highest achievement or standard that they are capable of.
【搭配模式】：oft poss N
Miss Blockey was at her best when she played the piano…
布洛基小姐弹钢琴的时候发挥了她的最好水平。
One needs to be a first-class driver to get the best out of that sort of machinery.
只有一流的司机才能让那种机器发挥出最大的功效。
5.N-SING 单数名词最好的结果；顶多 If you say that something is the best that can be done or hoped for, you think it is the most pleasant, successful, or useful thing that can be done or hoped for.
【搭配模式】：the N
A draw seems the best they can hope for…
看来他们顶多只能指望打个平局了。
The best we can do is try to stay cool and muddle through.
我们能做的顶多就是设法保持冷静，蒙混过关。
6.ADV-SUPERL 副词最高级形式最；极 If you like something best or like it the best, you prefer it.
【搭配模式】：ADV after v
The thing I liked best about the show was the music…
这场演出中我最喜欢的是它的音乐。
Mother liked it best when Daniel got money…
丹尼尔拿到钱的时候，母亲是最高兴的。
What was the role you loved the best?
你最喜欢哪一个角色？
7.（用于构成以good和well开头的复合形容词的最高级，如well-known的最高级为best-known） Best is used to form the superlative of compound adjectives beginning with ‘good’ and ‘well’. For example, the superlative of ‘well-known’ is ‘best-known’.
8.See also:second best;Sunday best;
9.CONVENTION 惯用语（用于道别或信件末尾）万事如意，一切顺利 You can say ‘All the best’ when you are saying goodbye to someone, or at the end of a letter.
【语用信息】：formulae
Wish him all the best, and tell him we miss him.
祝他一切顺利，告诉他我们想念他。
10.PHRASE 短语最好的是 You use best of all to indicate that what you are about to mention is the thing that you prefer or that has most advantages out of all the things you have mentioned.
【搭配模式】：PHR with cl/group
It was comfortable and cheap: best of all, most of the rent was being paid by two American friends.
房子既舒适又便宜：最妙的是，大部分租金是由两位美国朋友支付的。
11.PHRASE 短语尽全力；竭尽所能；尽最大努力 If someone does something as best they can, they do it as well as they can, although it is very difficult.
【搭配模式】：V inflects
The older people were left to carry on as best they could.
年纪大一点的人被留下来，奋力坚持。
12.PHRASE 短语充其量；顶多；至多 You use at best to indicate that even if you describe something as favourably as possible or if it performs as well as it possibly can, it is still not very good.
【搭配模式】：PHR with cl/group
This policy, they say, is at best confused and at worst non-existent…
有人说这项政策往好里说是混乱不堪，往坏里说就是形同虚设。
At best they were effective as antidepressants for no more than four months.
它们充其量也只能起到4个月的抗抑郁剂的效果。
13.PHRASE 短语尽力；竭尽所能 If you do your best or try your best to do something, you try as hard as you can to do it, or do it as well as you can.
【搭配模式】：V inflects
I’ll do my best to find out…
我会尽力查明真相。
It wasn’t her fault, she was trying her best to help…
这不是她的错，她是尽力帮忙的。
It’s a Championship fight — do your best.
这是锦标赛——要尽全力。
14.PHRASE 短语（综合考虑起来）是最好的 If you say that something is for the best, you mean it is the most desirable or helpful thing that could have happened or could be done, considering all the circumstances.
【搭配模式】：PHR after v
In the long run, it was for the best…
长远来说，这是最好的。
Whatever the circumstances, parents are supposed to know what to do for the best.
不论在什么情况下，父母都应该知道怎样做才是最好的。
15.PHRASE 短语（尤指冰释前嫌后）最好的朋友；知己 If two people are the best of friends, they are close friends, especially when they have had a disagreement or fight in the past.
【搭配模式】：usu v-link PHR
Magda is now married to George Callerby and we are the best of friends.
玛格达现在已经和乔治·卡勒比结婚了，我们成了最好的朋友。
16.PHR-MODAL 情态动词短语最好（有些人认为此用法不规范） If you say that someone had best do something or that they’d best do it, you mean they ought to do it. Some people consider this to be non-standard.
You’d best take a look.
你最好还是看一看。
17.PHRASE 短语（因经验丰富）最清楚，最明白 If you say that a particular person knows best, you mean that they have a lot of experience and should therefore be trusted to make decisions for other people.
【搭配模式】：V inflects
He was convinced that doctors and dentists knew best.
他确信医生和牙医最清楚该怎么做。
18.PHRASE 短语看起来处于自己最迷人的状态 If you look your best, you are looking as smart and attractive as you can.
【搭配模式】：V inflects
I made sure I was very clean and looking my best.
我把自己收拾得十分整洁，美丽动人。
19.PHRASE 短语乐观地尽可能利用（逆境） If you make the best of something, you accept an unsatisfactory situation cheerfully and try to manage as well as you can. In British English, you can also say that you make the best of a bad job .
【搭配模式】：V inflects
She instilled in the children the virtues of good hard work, and making the best of what you have.
她慢慢给孩子们灌输勤奋工作的品德，教导他们充分利用现有的条件。
20. to the best of your ability→see: ability; the best of the bunch→see: bunch; to hope for the best→see: hope; to the best of your knowledge→see: knowledge; best of luck→see: luck; the best part→see: part; at the best of times→see: time; the best of both worlds→see: world;
2. adverb
3. noun [ S ] 4. verb [ T ] 1
best
adjective /best/
› of the highest quality, or being the most suitable, pleasing or effective type of thing or person
最好的；最出色的；最优秀的
This is the best meal I’ve ever had.
这是我吃过的最好的一餐。
He’s one of our best students.
他是我们最优秀的学生之一。
Are you sure this is the best way of doing it?
你肯定这是做这事的最佳方法吗？
What’s the best (= shortest or quickest) way to get to the station?
哪条路去车站最方便？
Your parents only want what is best for you.
你父母只想把最好的给你。
She was my best friend (= the friend I liked most).
她是我最好的朋友。
It’s best (= It is wise) to get to the supermarket early.
最好早点儿赶到超市。
Related Phrases/Idioms
be on your best behaviour
best bet
be the best thing since sliced bread
May the best man/person win.
put your best foot forward
with the best will in the world
2
best
adverb /best/
› in the most suitable, pleasing or satisfactory way, or to the greatest degree
最；最好地；最高程度地
Which evening would suit you best for the party?
晚会哪天晚上举行对你最合适？
The Grand Canyon is best seen at sunset when it seems to change colour.
大峡谷日落时最美，这时它的色彩似乎变幻莫测。
He couldn’t decide which one he liked best (= preferred) .
他不知道自己最喜欢哪一个。
› to the greatest degree when used as the superlative of adjectives beginning with ‘good’ or ‘well’
（表示以 good 或 well 开头的形容词的最高级）…
They were the best-dressed couple at the party.
他们是舞会上衣着最华丽的一对。
He was voted the best-looking (= most attractive) actor in Hollywood.
他被选为好莱坞最英俊的男演员。
as best you can mainly uk
› as well as you can
尽力
It is a difficult passage, but just translate it as best you can.
这段文章确实很难，不过你尽力翻译就是。
Related Phrases/Idioms
do as you think best
had best/better
3
best
noun [ S ] /best/
› the most excellent in a group of things or people
最好的人（或事物）
My tastes are simple – I only like the best.
我的品位很简单——我只喜欢最好的。
He wanted the best for his children – good schools, a nice house and trips abroad.
他想让自己的孩子们享受到最好的一切——上好学校，住漂亮房子，还有去国外旅行。
I like all of Hitchcock’s films, but I think ‘Notorious’ is the best.
我喜欢希区柯克所有的电影，不过我认为《美人计》是最棒的一部。
Chris and I are the best of friends (= We are very close friends) .
克里斯和我是最好的朋友。
all the best! mainly uk informal
› used to say goodbye or to end a letter to someone you know well
（用于告别或信末祝福）祝一切顺利！
at best
› even when considered in the most positive way
最多，充其量
The food was bland at best, and at worst completely inedible.
这种食品往好了说是清淡无味，往差了说则根本不能吃。
at its best
› at the highest standard that can be achieved
最高水平的
The documentary was an example of investigative journalism at its best.
这部纪录片是调查性新闻报道的最佳范例。
be at your best
› to be as active or intelligent as you can be
处于最好状态
I’m not at my best in the morning.
上午我不在最佳状态。
best of all
› this is the most pleasing thing
最棒的
There was wonderful food, good company and, best of all, a jazz band.
那儿有丰盛的食物，热情的伙伴，最棒的是还有一支爵士乐队。
best of luck
› an expression used to wish someone success before an examination or a difficult activity
祝你好运
Best of luck with your exams!
祝你考试好运！
We would like to wish you the (very) best of luck with your move to the States.
我们祝你到美国之后交好运。
the best of
› In a sport such as tennis, if you play the best of a particular number of games, you play that number of games and the winner is the player who wins the greatest number of those games
…场比赛中的大部分胜利
Shall we play the best of five?
我们打五局三胜好吗？
do/try your best
› to make the greatest effort possible
尽力
It doesn’t matter if you fail, just do your best.
即使失败了也没关系，只要你尽了力就行。
have had the best of
› If you have had the best of something, you have enjoyed the most pleasant part of it, and everything that is left is worse
享受最佳部分
I think we’ve already had the best of the hot weather this summer.
我想我们已经度过了今年夏天最舒服的日子。
to the best of your ability
› as well as you can
尽力
Just do the job to the best of your ability.
只要你尽力工作就行了。
to the best of my knowledge/belief
› from what I know and understand from the information that I have
据我所知
To the best of my knowledge, the chemicals which were found are not dangerous.
据我所知，那些被发现的化学品没有危险。
Related Phrases/Idioms
at the best of times
the best of a bad bunch/lot
the best of both worlds
the best of British (luck)
with the best of them
4
best
verb [ T ] /best/ formal
› to defeat someone in a fight or competition
击败，战胜
He bested his opponent in just two rounds.
仅仅两个回合他就击败了对手。
best 1 adjective best
used for referring to the person or thing that is the most satisfactory, suitable, pleasant, effective, of the highest quality etc
ideal 1 adjective ideal
of the best or most suitable type
first class 1 adjective first class
of the best quality or the highest standard
first-rate adjective first-rate
of the highest quality
incomparable 1 adjective incomparable
so good that nothing else can compare
unsurpassed adjective unsurpassed
better than everything or everyone else in a particular way
premier adjective premier
best, largest, or most important
par excellence adjective par excellence
formal of the highest quality, or the most typical type
there is no substitute for something there is no substitute for something
used for saying that nothing else is good or useful enough to replace something
second to none second to none
the best
prime 2 adjective prime
of the highest quality
definitive 1 adjective definitive
better than all others
optimal adjective optimal
optimum
optimum adjective optimum
best or most suitable within a range of possibilities
world-class adjective world-class
one of the best in the world
unequalled adjective unequalled
better than anyone or anything else
top-flight adjective top-flight
very high in quality, ability, or status
unbeatable 2 adjective unbeatable
better than anything else of the same type
untouchable 2 adjective untouchable
much better at something than similar people or things
best 1 adverb best
in the way that is most satisfactory, suitable, pleasant, effective, successful etc
pre-eminent adjective pre-eminent
better or more important than anyone or anything else in a particular activity
premium 1 adjective premium
more expensive or of higher quality than other similar things
first 5 adverb, number, pronoun, noun first
better than anyone or anything else in a game, competition etc
unrivalled adjective unrivalled
used for emphasizing that something is much better or more important than other similar things
unparalleled adjective unparalleled
formal the best of a particular kind
peerless adjective peerless
formal better than anyone or anything else
top-notch adjective top-notch
informal very high in quality
unmatched adjective unmatched
literary better than all others
matchless adjective matchless
literary better than anyone or anything else
world-beating adjective world-beating
mainly journalism better than all other similar people or things
bar none bar none
used for emphasizing that someone or something is the best
couldn’t wish for more/better etc 4
used for saying that someone or something is the best
at someone’s/something’s best at someone’s best
when someone is feeling most intelligent or effective, or when something is showing its most impressive or attractive qualities
best of all best of all
used for introducing a fact that pleases you more than all the others you have mentioned
of all time of all time
used for talking about someone or something that is better than all other people or things that have existed
the best (something) that money can buy best that money can buy
informal used for saying that something is of the best quality
head and shoulders above the rest/others/head and shoulders above the rest
informal much better than all the others
pre-eminently adverb pre-eminently
▪ I. best 1 UK [best] US adjective ★★★
1. used for referring to the person or thing that is the most satisfactory, suitable, pleasant, effective, of the highest quality etc
the best hotel in town
Negotiation is always the best way of settling a dispute.
best for: What kind of soil is best for growing roses?
I want to do what’s best for the family.
make the best use of something (=use something in the most effective way): I want to make the best use of my time while I’m here.
Thesaurus: bestsynonym
1a. used for referring to the person who is the most skilful at doing something
the best player in the team
Thesaurus: someone who is good at doing somethingsynonym
2. used for referring to your nicest or most expensive clothes that you wear on special occasions
At the wedding he’ll be wearing his best suit.
Thesaurus: words used to describe clotheshyponym
See also: bet2 ▪ bib ▪ foot1 ▪ part1
Phrases: best wishes ▪ someone’s best friend
▪ II. best 2 UK [best] US noun ★★★
the best variant the person or thing that is the most satisfactory, suitable, pleasant, effective, of the highest quality etc
I want the very best for my family.
best of: If you go to Ireland in June, you should have the best of the weather.
the best of everything (=all the most expensive things): She’s a city lawyer, so she can afford the best of everything.
Thesaurus: best person or thing or the best examplesynonym
a. the person who is the most skilful at doing something
Of all the team, she’s the best by far.
simply/absolutely the best: In the world of ballet she was quite simply the best.
Thesaurus: someone who is good at doing somethingsynonym 3c
See also: look1 ▪ will2
Phrases: all the best ▪ at best ▪ at someone’s best ▪ at the best of times ▪ at something’s best ▪ be all for the best ▪ be for the best ▪ best of all ▪ best of both worlds ▪ best of friends ▪ best of luck ▪ do your best ▪ get the best of it ▪ have the best of it ▪ make the best of it ▪ to the best of my belief ▪ to the best of my knowledge ▪ to the best of someone’s ability ▪ try your best ▪ with the best of them
▪ III. best 3 UK [best] US adverb ★★★
1. in the way that is most satisfactory, suitable, pleasant, effective, successful etc
You need to find out which program works best on your computer.
He is the kind of musician who always performs best in front of a live audience.
The play can be best described as ‘a serious comedy’.
do something as best you can (=do something as well as you are able): I’ll try to deal with all these problems as best I can.
suit someone best (=be most suitable for someone): Which colour do you think suits me best?
Thesaurus: bestsynonym
2. used for saying that someone or something is liked or known more than any other
like someone/something best: What kind of music do you like best?
best known/loved: The Mona Lisa is probably the world’s best-known painting.
one of Gershwin’s best loved melodies
Thesaurus: loved, liked or wanted very muchsynonym
2a. used for saying that someone or something is famous, especially in one particular way or for one particular reason
best known/remembered for something: James Dean is best remembered for his star performance in
Rebel without a Cause .
The Bordeaux region is best known for its fine wines.
best known as: Conan Doyle is probably best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes.
Thesaurus: famous and well-knownsynonym
Phrase: had best do something
▪ IV. best 4 UK [best] US verb [transitive] [present tense I/you/we/they best he/she/it bests present participle besting past tense bested past participle bested] formal
to gain an advantage over or defeat an opponent
The Chinese pair bested the Swedes 3–1.
Thesaurus: to defeat someone in a game, competition or argumentsynonym
近义词
n. attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try, person, individual
v. beat, beat out, crush, shell, trounce, vanquish
adj. champion, prizewinning, high-grade, top-quality, top-grade, first, foremost
反义词
n. worst
n. worst, inadvisable, unadvisable
联想词
finest警察;worst最差的，最坏的;safestsafe的最高级;greatest最好的;easiest容易的,轻松的;cheapest最便宜的;most最;great伟大的，重大的;fastest最快速的;possible可能的;simplest最简单的，单纯的;
best way 最佳方法
best friend 最好的朋友，好朋友
best quality 最佳品质
with the best 跟任何人一样好
for the best 出于好意
all the best 一切顺利，万事如意
try my best 尽最大努力
do our best 做到最好；竭尽所能
best of all 最好的
best price 最佳价格
make the best of 充分利用；尽力而为；妥善处理
one’s best 致意,祝好[信末语。是 one’s best wishes 的节略] best wish 美好祝愿
like best 最喜欢
do my best 尽力而为，竭尽所能
to the best of 就…所及
at best 最多
best known 最著名的
hope for the best 抱乐观的希望
