Learn how to use the comparative “fouler” and superlative “foulest” 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 “foulsome”?

The comparative form of “foulsome” is “fouler”.

Example

The smell in the garbage can is fouler than the smell outside.

Example

The taste of spoiled milk is fouler than fresh milk.

What is the superlative form of “foulsome”?

The superlative form of “foulsome” is “foulest”.

Example

The dumpster behind the restaurant has the foulest smell.

Example

The public restroom has the foulest odor.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “fouler”

Used to describe something that is more unpleasant or repulsive

Example

The more offensive odor came from the rotting food.

Used to indicate something that is more disgusting or revolting

Example

The more repugnant taste made her gag.

A stronger way of expressing something that causes nausea or sickness

Example

The more nauseating smell made her feel sick.

Expressions with similar meanings to “foulest”

Similar to foulest, this emphasizes something that is the most unpleasant or repulsive

Example

The most offensive stench came from the decaying animal.

Used to describe the highest level of disgust or revulsion

Example

The most repugnant taste lingered in her mouth for hours.

A stronger way of expressing the highest level of nausea or sickness

Example

The most nauseating smell made her vomit.

Using than with comparative “fouler”

When using the comparative form fouler to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The smell in the garbage can is fouler than the smell outside." Here, than is used to show that the smell in the garbage can is more foul than the smell outside.

How can I use this expression in context?

“fouler” and “foulest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Odors

    The smell in the bathroom is fouler than the smell in the kitchen.

    The smell in the bathroom is fouler than the smell in the kitchen.

  • 2Tastes

    The flavor of the expired food is fouler than the flavor of the fresh food.

    The flavor of the expired food is fouler than the flavor of the fresh food.

  • 3Sights

    The sight of the decaying animal is fouler than the sight of the blooming flowers.

    The sight of the decaying animal is fouler than the sight of the blooming flowers.

  • 4Sounds

    The sound of the screeching brakes is fouler than the sound of birds chirping.

    The sound of the screeching brakes is fouler than the sound of birds chirping.

  • 5Textures

    The texture of the slimy food is fouler than the texture of the smooth food.

    The texture of the slimy food is fouler than the texture of the smooth food.

Related idioms and phrases

Leave a bad taste in one's mouth

To have a negative or unpleasant effect on someone

Example

The dishonesty of the politician left a bad taste in my mouth.

Stink to high heaven

To have a very strong and unpleasant odor

Example

The garbage in the dumpster stinks to high heaven.

Turn one's stomach

To cause someone to feel sick or disgusted

Example

The sight of the rotten food turned my stomach.

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