What does "best" mean?

See best in WNW Idioms

all for the best

turning out to be good or fortunate after all

as best one can

as well as one can

at best

  1. under the most favorable conditions or interpretation
  2. at most

at one's best

in one's best mood, form, health, etc.

get the best of

or have the best of
  1. to outdo, overcome, or defeat
  2. to outwit

had best

ought to; would be prudent or wise to

make the best of

to do as well as one can with

with the best

as ably as the most able

See best in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

at best

  1. Interpreted most favorably; at the most: no more than 40 people at best in attendance.
  2. Under the most favorable conditions: has a top speed of 20 miles per hour at best.

for the best

With an ultimately positive or preferable result.

get

/have the best of
To outdo or outwit; defeat: My opponent got the best of me in the debate.

make the best of

Accept (a bad situation) in as good a light as possible.

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