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Which is the correct expression?

Learn how to use the comparative “fainter” and superlative “faintest” 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 “faintest”?

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

Example

The sound of the distant music grew fainter as we walked away.

Example

She felt fainter with each passing minute.

What is the superlative form of “faintest”?

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

Example

The whisper was barely audible, it was the faintest sound.

Example

The star was so far away that it appeared as the faintest dot in the 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: FaintFainter Superlative: FaintFaintest

Expressions with similar meanings to “fainter”

Used to describe something that is less strong or intense

Example

His voice grew weaker as he spoke.

Used to describe something that is less bright or vivid

Example

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

A slightly formal way of expressing decreased strength or intensity

Example

Her heartbeat became more feeble as she grew weaker.

Expressions with similar meanings to “faintest”

Similar to faintest, this emphasizes a lack of strength or intensity

Example

The weakest link in the chain snapped under pressure.

Used to describe the least bright or vivid thing

Example

The dimmest star in the constellation was difficult to see.

A slightly formal way of expressing the lowest level of strength or intensity

Example

Her most feeble attempt at lifting the heavy box failed.

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 sound of the distant music grew fainter than before." Here, than is used to show that the intensity of the sound is less than it was before.

How can I use this expression in context?

“fainter” and “faintest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Sounds

    The sound of the wind grew fainter as we moved away from the source.

    The sound of the wind grew fainter as we moved away from the source.

  • 2Colors

    The sunset became fainter as the sky darkened.

    The sunset became fainter as the sky darkened.

  • 3Memories

    The details of the event became fainter as time passed.

    The details of the event became fainter as time passed.

  • 4Sensations

    The feeling of warmth grew fainter as the fire died down.

    The feeling of warmth grew fainter as the fire died down.

  • 5Signs

    The footprints became fainter as they were washed away by the rain.

    The footprints became fainter as they were washed away by the rain.

Related idioms and phrases

Faint heart never won fair lady

If you're not brave or determined, you won't succeed in winning someone's affection or achieving your goals.

Example

He mustered up the courage to ask her out on a date, remembering that faint heart never won fair lady.

Faint of heart

Describing someone who is easily frightened or lacks courage.

Example

Horror movies are not recommended for the faint of heart.

Faint hope

A very slim or unlikely chance of something happening.

Example

There was only a faint hope of finding the missing hiker alive after so many days.

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