the best

IPA/ðə bˈɛst/
IPA/ðə bˈɛst/

the best — idiom

1. the person, thing, or group that is better than all the others of the same type.

1.慣用語A2
釋義

the person, thing, or group that is better than all the others of the same type.

例句

Among the five bakeries in town, Yuki's shop sells the best by a wide margin.

the best standing alone as the top item of a group

Coach Felipe always picks the best from each school team for the regional squad.

the best of [group] meaning the top members

同義詞
  • the finest

    slightly more formal, often about quality or craft

  • the top one

    informal, stresses ranking position

反義詞
  • the worst

    the one lower than all others of its type

文法句型

the best of [group]

the best at [activity]

用法筆記

Functions as a noun phrase standing in for an omitted noun ('the best [bakery]'). Often followed by 'of', 'at', or 'in' to name the group or activity it tops.

常見錯誤

❌She is best singer in the choir.
✅She is the best singer in the choir.
💡the superlative needs 'the' before it.
❌This is the most best result.
✅This is the best result.
💡'best' is already the superlative, so never add 'most'.

2. the greatest effort or highest standard that someone is able to reach when tryin

2.慣用語A2
釋義

the greatest effort or highest standard that someone is able to reach when trying hard.

例句

Élise studied late every night and felt proud that she had given the best she could.

give the best one can, about effort

The young nurse promised the worried family that the doctors would do the best for the child.

do the best for someone

同義詞
  • one's utmost

    more formal way of saying the greatest effort possible

  • all one can

    plainer, everyday phrasing for full effort

文法句型

do the best one can

try one's best

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: here 'the best' is an amount of effort or quality someone produces, not a single top-ranked item. Usually paired with 'do', 'give', 'try', or 'offer'.

常見錯誤

❌I will do my the best.
✅I will do my best.' OR 'I will do the best I can.
💡use either 'my best' or 'the best I can', not both markers together.