Learn how to use the comparative “briefer” and superlative “briefest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “briefest”?

The comparative form of “briefest” is “briefer”.

Example

His explanation was briefer than hers.

Example

The meeting was briefer than expected.

What is the superlative form of “briefest”?

The superlative form of “briefest” is “briefest”.

Example

Among all the speeches, his was the briefest.

Example

The briefest moment can sometimes leave the biggest impact.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with brief, briefer, and briefest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more brief' and 'most brief' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, briefer and briefest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Brief does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: BriefBriefer Superlative: BriefBriefest

Expressions with similar meanings to “briefer”

conciser

Used to describe something that is shorter and more to the point

Example

The conciser version of the report was easier to understand.

Used to indicate a reduced length or duration

Example

The shorter movie was more enjoyable because it didn't drag on.

A slightly formal way of expressing brevity

Example

The professor's lecture was more succinct this time, making it easier to follow.

Expressions with similar meanings to “briefest”

concisest

Similar to briefest, this emphasizes brevity and clarity

Example

The concisest summary of the book captured all the important points.

shortest

Used to describe the lowest level of length or duration

Example

The shortest route to the destination saved us a lot of time.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of brevity

Example

The most succinct explanation was the easiest to understand.

Using than with comparative “briefer”

When using the comparative form briefer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "His explanation was briefer than hers." Here, than is used to show that the length of 'his' explanation is shorter than the length of hers.

How can I use this expression in context?

“briefer” and “briefest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Speeches or Presentations

    His speech was briefer than the others.

    His speech was briefer than the others.

  • 2Meetings

    The meeting was briefer than expected.

    The meeting was briefer than expected.

  • 3Written Documents

    The briefest summary of the book captured all the important points.

    The briefest summary of the book captured all the important points.

  • 4Interactions

    Their conversation was briefer than usual.

    Their conversation was briefer than usual.

  • 5Explanations

    Her explanation was briefer than his.

    Her explanation was briefer than his.

Related idioms and phrases

Short and sweet

Something that is concise and to the point.

Example

I'll keep my speech short and sweet so we can move on to the next agenda item.

In a nutshell

To describe something in a concise and summarized manner.

Example

Can you explain the concept in a nutshell?

To the point

Being direct and not wasting time with unnecessary details.

Example

Please keep your answers to the point during the interview.

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