This is the 3477th most frequent Swedish word.
bäste
"Best" (used as a formal or respectful address, e.g., "dear" in letters).
Here, 'bäste' is used as a term of respect addressing someone in a letter or formal communication.
Bäste John, hur står det till?
Dear John, how are you doing?
In this sentence, 'bäste' is used to denote the superlative degree, meaning 'best' when describing the quality of friendship.
Han är min bäste vän.
He is my best friend.
'Bäste' again denotes the superlative 'best,' used here to describe excellence in a particular skill or category.