Definitions and Examples of shortest, briefest, smallest
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shortest
Having the least amount of length, duration, or distance.
Example
The shortest route to the beach is through the park.
Lasting for a very short time; concise.
Example
The CEO gave a briefest speech at the conference, lasting only five minutes.
Having the least amount of size or magnitude.
Example
The smallest puppy in the litter was also the cutest.
Key Differences: shortest vs briefest vs smallest
- 1Shortest refers to the least amount of length, distance, or duration.
- 2Briefest refers to the shortest amount of time or the most concise form of expression.
- 3Smallest refers to the least amount of size or magnitude.
Effective Usage of shortest, briefest, smallest
- 1Measurement: Use shortest to describe the least amount of length, distance, or duration.
- 2Communication: Use briefest to express something in the most concise way possible.
- 3Comparison: Use smallest to compare the relative size or magnitude of two or more things.
Remember this!
The antonyms of longest are shortest, briefest, and smallest. Use these words to describe the opposite meaning of longest in terms of length, duration, or size. Shortest refers to the least amount of length, distance, or duration, briefest refers to the shortest amount of time or the most concise form of expression, and smallest refers to the least amount of size or magnitude.