Best — Defs

01 a. Having good qualities in the highest degree; most good, kind, desirable, suitable, etc.; most excellent; as, the best man; the best road; t…

1.
Having good qualities in the highest degree; most good, kind, desirable, suitable, etc.; most excellent; as, the best man; the best road; the best cloth; the best abilities.
“When he is best, he is a little worse than a man.” — Shak.

“Heaven's last, best gift, my ever new delight.” — Milton.
2.
Most advanced; most correct or complete; as, the best scholar; the best view of a subject.
3.
Most; largest; as, the best part of a week.

Phrases & compounds

Best man — the only or principal groomsman at a wedding ceremony.

02 n. Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing, or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our ability.

1.
Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing, or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our ability.

Phrases & compounds

At best — in the utmost degree or extent applicable to the case; under the most favorable circumstances; as, life is at best very short.

For best — finally.

To get the best of — to gain an advantage over, whether fairly or unfairly.

To make the best of — To improve to the utmost; to use or dispose of to the greatest advantage.

03 adv. In the highest degree; beyond all others.

1.
In the highest degree; beyond all others.
“He prayeth best, who loveth best All things both great and small.” — Coleridge.
2.
To the most advantage; with the most success, case, profit, benefit, or propriety.
“Had we best retire? I see a storm.” — Milton.

“Had I not best go to her?” — Thackeray.
3.
Most intimately; most thoroughly or correctly; as, what is expedient is best known to himself.

04 v. t. To get the better of.