Learn how to use the comparative “fainter” and superlative “faintest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “faint”?

The comparative form of “faint” is “fainter”.

Example

She felt fainter after standing in the sun for too long.

Example

The sound of the music grew fainter as they walked away.

What is the superlative form of “faint”?

The superlative form of “faint” is “faintest”.

Example

The smell of the flowers was the faintest in the early morning.

Example

The star was the faintest in the night sky.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “fainter”

weaker

Used to describe something that is less intense or powerful

Example

His voice grew weaker as he spoke.

dimmer

Used to describe something that is less bright or vivid

Example

The light in the room became dimmer as the sun set.

less distinct

A slightly formal way of expressing something that is less clear or noticeable

Example

The details of the painting became less distinct as the colors faded.

Expressions with similar meanings to “faintest”

weakest

Similar to faintest, this emphasizes something that is the least intense or powerful

Example

Her grip on the rope was the weakest among the climbers.

dimmest

Used to describe something that is the least bright or vivid

Example

The glow from the dying fire was the dimmest in the room.

least distinct

A slightly formal way of expressing something that is the least clear or noticeable

Example

The sound of his voice was the least distinct among the crowd.

Using than with comparative “fainter”

When using the comparative form fainter to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The second painting is fainter than the first." Here, than is used to show that the intensity of the second painting is less than the intensity of the first painting.

How can I use this expression in context?

“fainter” and “faintest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Sounds

  The sound of the distant thunder grew fainter.

  The sound of the distant thunder grew fainter.

• 2. Smells

  The scent of the flowers became fainter as the wind blew.

  The scent of the flowers became fainter as the wind blew.

• 3. Colors

  The colors of the sunset grew fainter as the sky darkened.

  The colors of the sunset grew fainter as the sky darkened.

• 4. Memories

  The memory of that day became fainter as time passed.

  The memory of that day became fainter as time passed.

• 5. Sensations

  The feeling of the breeze against her skin grew fainter as she moved indoors.

  The feeling of the breeze against her skin grew fainter as she moved indoors.

Related idioms and phrases

Faint of heart

To lack courage or bravery.

Example

He was not faint of heart and faced the challenge head-on.

Faint hope

A small or unlikely chance of success.

Example

There was only a faint hope of finding the lost treasure.

Faint praise

To give a compliment that is not very enthusiastic or sincere.

Example

Her boss gave her faint praise for her work on the project.