-est
suffix
UK/ɪst/US/ɪst/
Used to form the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs.
Example Sentences
She is the smartest student in the class, always excelling in every subject.
The tallest building in the city is visible from miles away.
His work is regarded as the finest example of craftsmanship.
This is the coldest winter we've experienced in decades.
The fastest way to get there is by train, not by car.
He climbed to the highest peak of the mountain, taking in the breathtaking view.
The youngest child in the family often gets the most attention.
It was the bravest thing she had ever done, facing her fears head-on.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Denotes the superlative form, showing the highest or greatest degree among similar qualities.This common suffix is attached to the base form of an adjective or adverb to create its superlative form, signifying the most intense or extreme quality. For example, “smallest” is the highest degree of “small,” and “fastest” is the highest degree of “fast.” When forming superlatives, check the spelling of the root word—sometimes you double the final consonant (e.g., “big” → “biggest”) or drop a final ‘e’ (e.g., “close” → “closest”). Some words don’t take -est and instead use “most” (like “most beautiful”), especially if the word has multiple syllables or doesn’t conventionally accept the suffix. Always confirm correct usage by consulting grammar references or a dictionary if you’re uncertain. In spoken or written English, the superlative provides immediate emphasis on which person, place, or thing stands out as the topmost in a particular attribute. When you see or hear the -est ending, know that someone or something is being described as occupying the highest position in that specific quality range.
Alternatives
Rather than adding -est, you can often use ‘most’ for polysyllabic words or to avoid awkward-sounding forms (e.g., “most intelligent” rather than “intelligentest”). In more casual speech, expressions like “the absolute best” or “the ultimate” can convey an even stronger superlative force. For certain adjectives, English employs irregular forms (e.g., “good” → “best,” “bad” → “worst,” “far” → “farthest”). Moreover, some speakers informally tack -est onto words for emphasis or humor even if it’s not technically standard (e.g., “funnest”), but in formal contexts, it’s best to stick with recognized superlative patterns or use “most.” When in doubt, choose the phrasing that sounds most natural and widely accepted.
Writing
When writing, use the -est suffix to highlight the prime or leading quality of a subject. Examples like “the highest peak,” “the coolest gadget,” or “the strongest candidate” quickly communicate your point. However, be mindful of overusing superlatives—if everything is “the best” or “the greatest,” your writing may lose credibility or nuance. Always ensure that your chosen adjective logically fits the -est form. Some words already have superlative forms or simply don’t pair well with -est, so check reliable references for proper usage. Using the suffix correctly can bring clarity and emphasis, but using it sparingly can preserve its impact. Proofread for consistency in subject-verb agreement when the superlative is part of a descriptive phrase, and avoid unintentionally mixing comparative and superlative forms within the same sentence (e.g., “He is the taller between the two” is incorrect—use “tallest” only in comparisons of three or more).
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you’ll often use -est to quickly convey something at the extreme end of a scale—“the funniest movie,” “the cheapest option,” or “the warmest coat.” Such usage is quick, direct, and natural in speech. Sometimes people will playfully invent superlatives (“the loudestest party ever”) for humorous effect, even if it’s not grammatically correct. This sort of creative language is typically fine among friends or in informal settings. Just remember that if you’re in a professional context or speaking to someone unfamiliar with English superlatives, you might want to stick with standard forms. The casual nature of -est also allows for personal opinion—“the best pizza in town” might mean different things to different people, but the suffix clarifies you’re describing a personal peak.
Etymology
The English superlative suffix -est has deep roots in Old English, which itself evolved from Proto-Germanic. This ancient construction has remained a key part of how English speakers express the uppermost degree of a characteristic. While some modern European languages use different forms or comparative structures, English retains the inherited -est, reflecting a consistent link to its Germanic origins. Over time, certain superlative forms have become irregular (e.g., “best”), suggesting that language evolution sometimes modifies or replaces purely regular endings. Nonetheless, -est stands as a clear marker of the superlative across centuries of continuous usage, helping speakers pinpoint the most extreme degree of any given trait.
