Best means the highest in quality, skill, or ranking. It is the superlative form of “good.”
From Old English “betst,” a superlative form of “bēt,” related to “good” and “better.” These irregular forms go back to ancient Germanic patterns, not the usual “-er / -est” endings.
“Good, better, best” doesn’t follow the normal rule of “good, gooder, goodest” because it’s extremely old. The more common a word is, the more likely it is to keep strange, irregular forms.
Superlatives like “best” have often been awarded within systems that excluded or undervalued women and other marginalized groups, such as prize structures or rankings that limited their participation. This can make historical claims about the “best” figures skewed by biased access and recognition.
When calling someone the “best,” be aware of structural exclusions that may have limited who could compete or be seen; clarify criteria and context. Avoid gendered assumptions that the “best” in a field is male by default.
["leading","outstanding","top","excellent"]
Many women who were among the best in their fields were not recognized in their time due to institutional barriers and were only acknowledged later, if at all.
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