superlative, a. and n.
A. adj.
2. Raised above or surpassing all others; extremely high, great, or excellent; supereminent, supreme.
dismal, n.1 and n.2 and a.
B. adj. [orig. attributive use of A.]4. Causing dismay; terrible, dreadful, dire. Now in weakened sense (associated with 5): Causing gloom or dejection, depressing, wretched, miserable.
. . .
5. a. Of a character or aspect that causes gloom and depression; depressingly dark, sombre, gloomy, dreary, or cheerless.
When advertising a trade display, with the company in question providing afternoon tea, it is essential not to confuse these two words. The lack of the promised one might result in the other being descriptive of your sales.
