Learn how to use the comparative “leaner” and superlative “leanest” 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 “leanest”?

The comparative form of “leanest” is “leaner”.

Example

He is leaner than he was last year.

Example

The new diet helped her become leaner and more fit.

What is the superlative form of “leanest”?

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

Example

Out of all the contestants, he has the leanest physique.

Example

The athlete's dedication and training made him the leanest competitor.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “leaner”

Used to describe someone or something that has less body fat or is more slender

Example

After months of exercise, she became thinner and more toned.

Similar to leaner, this emphasizes a decrease in body fat or a more slender appearance

Example

She followed a strict diet and exercise regimen to become slimmer.

A slightly formal way of expressing a decrease in body fat or a more slender appearance

Example

The model's figure became more slender after adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Expressions with similar meanings to “leanest”

Similar to leanest, this emphasizes having the least amount of body fat or being the most slender

Example

Among all the models, she had the thinnest figure.

Used to describe someone or something that has the least amount of body fat or is the most slender

Example

The actress maintained a strict diet to achieve the slimmest appearance.

A slightly formal way of expressing having the least amount of body fat or being the most slender

Example

The ballerina had the most slender physique among all the dancers.

Using than with comparative “leaner”

When using the comparative form leaner to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He is leaner than his brother." Here, than is used to show that the level of leanness of 'he' is greater than the level of leanness of his brother.

How can I use this expression in context?

“leaner” and “leanest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Physical Fitness

    She became leaner through regular exercise and a healthy diet.

    She became leaner through regular exercise and a healthy diet.

  • 2Bodybuilding

    The bodybuilder worked hard to achieve the leanest physique on stage.

    The bodybuilder worked hard to achieve the leanest physique on stage.

  • 3Fashion

    The fashion industry often promotes slimmer and leaner body types.

    The fashion industry often promotes slimmer and leaner body types.

  • 4Health

    Maintaining a lean body composition is important for overall health.

    Maintaining a lean body composition is important for overall health.

  • 5Nutrition

    A diet rich in lean proteins can help you become leaner and build muscle.

    A diet rich in lean proteins can help you become leaner and build muscle.

Related idioms and phrases

Skinny as a rail

Describing someone who is extremely thin or emaciated.

Example

After being sick for weeks, he became skinny as a rail.

Cutting it close

Doing something with very little margin for error or time.

Example

He finished the project just in time, cutting it close to the deadline.

In the pink

To be in good health or in a good physical condition.

Example

After recovering from the illness, she was back in the pink of health.

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