Soccer is the greatest sport ever invented by man

[thehammer]

What does the following sentence mean?

- Soccer is the greatest sport ever invented by man.

Does it mean 'soccer is the greatest sport that has ever been invented by man.' or does it mean 'soccer is the greatest sport ever that man invented'?

 

[jutfrank]

Is this your own sentence? If so, you must know what it means. If not, can you tell us where you saw or heard it?

 

[thehammer]

Is this your own sentence? If so, you must know what it means. If not, can you tell us where you saw or heard it?

I found it on the internet while reading an article. I could not figure it out. I guess it could mean both.

 

[SoothingDave]

What does the following sentence mean?

- Soccer is the greatest sport ever invented by man.

Does it mean 'soccer is the greatest sport that has ever been invented by man.' or does it mean 'soccer is the greatest sport ever that man invented'?

Those are the same meaning.

 

[Barque]

Does it mean 'soccer is the greatest sport that has ever been invented by man.' or does it mean 'soccer is the greatest sport ever that man invented'?

You obviously think they mean different things. Could you tell us what you think the difference is? Then we'll tell you what it means.

(Don't ignore the question please, as some people do. I'd like to hear your answer.)

 

[Tarheel]

By "greatest" they mean either that it has the most to recommend it or that it's the most popular. (Perhaps both.)

 

[thehammer]

You obviously think they mean different things. Could you tell us what you think the difference is? Then we'll tell you what it means.

(Don't ignore the question please, as some people do. I'd like to hear your answer.)

I don't know if they mean any different. To me both mean the same.

 

[Barque]

I don't know if they mean any different. To me both mean the same.

If you think they mean the same, why ask that question?

I found it on the internet while reading an article. I could not figure it out. I guess it could mean both.

Where exactly? Please provide us a link.

 

[Tarheel]

@thehammer Your assumption seems to be that everybody knows what "the greatest" means outside of any kind of context. Well, I don't. I have thought of three possibilities. One, it's the best sport for the players. Two, it's the best sport for the spectators. Three, it has the most followers. Did the context not tell you which one is right?