Learn how to use the comparative “dimmer” and superlative “dimmest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “dim”?

The comparative form of “dim” is “dimmer”.

Example

The light in the room is dimmer than the light outside.

Example

She turned down the brightness on her phone, making the screen dimmer.

What is the superlative form of “dim”?

The superlative form of “dim” is “dimmest”.

Example

Among all the bulbs, this one is the dimmest.

Example

The candle provided the dimmest light in the room.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Dim does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Dim → Dimmer Superlative: Dim → Dimmest

Expressions with similar meanings to “dimmer”

duller

Used to describe something that is less bright or vibrant

Example

The colors in the painting appeared duller in the dim lighting.

fainter

Used to indicate something that is less intense or visible

Example

As the sun set, the stars became fainter in the darkening sky.

less bright

A straightforward way of expressing reduced brightness

Example

The moonlight was less bright than the sunlight.

Expressions with similar meanings to “dimmest”

dullest

Similar to dimmest, this emphasizes reduced brightness or vibrancy

Example

The old photograph had become dullest over time.

faintest

Used to describe the lowest level of intensity or visibility

Example

In the pitch-black darkness, she could only see the faintest outline of objects.

least bright

A straightforward way of expressing the lowest level of brightness

Example

The night sky was the least bright when the moon was not visible.

Using than with comparative “dimmer”

When using the comparative form dimmer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The light in the room is dimmer than the light outside." Here, than is used to show that the brightness of the light in the room is less than the brightness of the light outside.

How can I use this expression in context?

“dimmer” and “dimmest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Lighting

  The lamp in the corner is dimmer than the overhead lights.

  The lamp in the corner is dimmer than the overhead lights.

• 2. Screens

  She adjusted the settings to make the screen dimmer on her laptop.

  She adjusted the settings to make the screen dimmer on her laptop.

• 3. Colors

  The sunset became dimmest as the sky darkened.

  The sunset became dimmest as the sky darkened.

• 4. Stars

  The smallest star in the constellation is the dimmest.

  The smallest star in the constellation is the dimmest.

• 5. Visibility

  The fog made the road signs dimmer and harder to read.

  The fog made the road signs dimmer and harder to read.

Related idioms and phrases

In the dark

To be unaware or uninformed about something.

Example

He was completely in the dark about the surprise party.

Out of the blue

Something unexpected or surprising.

Example

The job offer came out of the blue.

Shed light on

To provide information or clarity on a topic.

Example

The new evidence shed light on the mystery.