What is the comparative form of “deathly”?
The comparative form of “deathly” is “more deadly”.Example
The venom of the black mamba snake is more deadly than that of a rattlesnake.
Example
The flu virus is more deadly than the common cold.
What is the superlative form of “deathly”?
The superlative form of “deathly” is “deadliest”.Example
The cobra is known as one of the deadliest snakes in the world.
Example
Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases known to mankind.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
Most and more are generally not used with deadly, more deadly, and deadliest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more deadly' and 'most deadly' are not commonly used because they sound awkward. Instead, more deadly and deadliest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Deadly follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Deadly → More deadly Superlative: Deadly → Deadliest
Expressions with similar meanings to “more deadly”
Used to describe something that is deadly or capable of causing death
Example
The poison dart frog secretes a lethal toxin.
Similar to deadly, this emphasizes the potential for causing death
Example
The car accident resulted in fatal injuries.
Used to describe something that causes great harm or damage
Example
The hurricane left behind a destructive trail of destruction.
Expressions with similar meanings to “deadliest”
Example
The scorpion's venom is considered the most lethal among arachnids.
Example
The Ebola virus is one of the most fatal diseases in existence.
Emphasizes the highest level of harm or damage caused
Example
The tsunami was one of the most destructive natural disasters in history.
Using than with comparative “more deadly”
When using the comparative form more deadly to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The black mamba snake is more deadly than a rattlesnake." Here, than is used to show that the level of deadliness of the black mamba snake is greater than that of a rattlesnake.
How can I use this expression in context?
“more deadly” and “deadliest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Diseases
The coronavirus is more deadly than the flu.
The coronavirus is more deadly than the flu.
- 2Animals
The tiger is one of the deadliest predators in the jungle.
The tiger is one of the deadliest predators in the jungle.
- 3Weapons
The nuclear bomb is the deadliest weapon ever created.
The nuclear bomb is the deadliest weapon ever created.
- 4Natural Disasters
The earthquake was one of the most deadly disasters in recent history.
The earthquake was one of the most deadly disasters in recent history.
- 5Accidents
Car crashes are one of the most deadly causes of death worldwide.
Car crashes are one of the most deadly causes of death worldwide.
Related idioms and phrases
Drop like flies
To die or fall down in large numbers or rapidly.
Example
After eating the poisoned food, the rats dropped like flies.
Cheating death
To narrowly escape death or avoid a dangerous situation.
Example
He survived the car crash by inches, truly cheating death.
Grave danger
A situation that poses a serious threat or risk of harm.
Example
Entering the abandoned building without proper equipment is grave danger.
