Learn how to use the comparative “dirtier” and superlative “dirtiest” 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 “dirtiest”?

The comparative form of “dirtiest” is “dirtier”.

Example

The kitchen was dirtier than I expected.

Example

His clothes were dirtier after playing in the mud.

What is the superlative form of “dirtiest”?

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

Example

Among all the rooms in the house, the bathroom is the dirtiest.

Example

The pigsty was known for being the dirtiest place on the farm.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “dirtier”

Used to describe something that is dirtier in a disgusting or offensive way

Example

The filthier the room, the more difficult it is to clean.

Used to indicate something that is dirtier in a messy or unkempt way

Example

Her hands became grubbier as she dug through the garden soil.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased dirtiness

Example

The more unclean the water, the higher the risk of infection.

Expressions with similar meanings to “dirtiest”

Similar to dirtiest, this emphasizes a high level of disgust or offensiveness

Example

The alleyway was the filthiest part of the city, filled with garbage and rats.

Used to describe the highest level of messiness or unkemptness

Example

The abandoned house was the grubbiest place they had ever seen, with dust and cobwebs everywhere.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of dirtiness

Example

The most unclean areas of the hospital require strict sanitation protocols.

Using than with comparative “dirtier”

When using the comparative form dirtier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "His room is dirtier than mine." Here, than is used to show that the level of dirtiness in 'his' room is greater than the level of dirtiness in 'mine'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“dirtier” and “dirtiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Living Spaces

    The basement was dirtier than the rest of the house.

    The basement was dirtier than the rest of the house.

  • 2Clothing

    His shirt was dirtier than hers after working in the garden.

    His shirt was dirtier than hers after working in the garden.

  • 3Environments

    The industrial area was known for being the dirtiest part of the city.

    The industrial area was known for being the dirtiest part of the city.

  • 4Hygiene

    The public restroom was the dirtiest place she had ever seen.

    The public restroom was the dirtiest place she had ever seen.

  • 5Objects

    The old book was dirtier than the new one.

    The old book was dirtier than the new one.

Related idioms and phrases

Dirty laundry

Secrets or embarrassing information that someone wants to keep hidden.

Example

He didn't want his dirty laundry aired in public.

Play dirty

To behave dishonestly or unethically in order to gain an advantage.

Example

In politics, some candidates are known to play dirty to win elections.

Get your hands dirty

To become directly involved in a task or activity, especially one that is physical or messy.

Example

If you want to succeed in this business, you need to be willing to get your hands dirty.

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