at best — used to emphasize that something is not very good, even when described in the most favorable way
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: used to emphasize that something is not very good, even when described in the most favorable way
Pronunciation (IPA): /æt best/
Example Sentences
- My cooking skills are amateur at best
- The weather forecast is unreliable at best
- His excuse was creative at best, ridiculous at worst
at best
ADVERB[/æt best/]
used to emphasize that something is not very good, even when described in the most favorable way
used to emphasize that something is not very good, even when described in the most favorable way
Even at rest, worried about the test - prepared at best!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom combines the preposition 'at' (indicating location or circumstance) with 'best' (superlative of good), forming a phrasal expression that emerged in the 16th century to convey 'even in the most favorable circumstances' or 'at most'.
Breakdown
at (preposition, denoting position or state) + best (adjective used nominally, meaning 'the highest quality or most favorable condition')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cooking skills are amateur at best”
“The weather forecast is unreliable at best”
“His excuse was creative at best, ridiculous at worst”
“The internet connection here is slow at best”
📚Related Words
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