Learn how to use the comparative “lower” and superlative “lowest” 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 “lowest”?

The comparative form of “lowest” is “lower”.

Example

The temperature today is lower than yesterday.

Example

He scored lower on the test than his classmates.

What is the superlative form of “lowest”?

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

Example

Among all the prices, this one is the lowest.

Example

Her score on the test was the lowest in the class.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “lower”

Used to describe something that is lower in quantity or importance

Example

She received a lesser amount of money than her brother.

Used to indicate something that is lower in quality or value

Example

The knockoff brand is of inferior quality compared to the original.

A more general term used to indicate a smaller amount or degree

Example

He has less money than he did before.

Expressions with similar meanings to “lowest”

Similar to lowest, this emphasizes the smallest amount or degree

Example

He had the least amount of experience among all the candidates.

Used to describe the smallest size or quantity

Example

The toy with the smallest dimensions fits perfectly in the child's hand.

Used to indicate the lowest level of strength or power

Example

The team's defense is their weakest aspect.

Using than with comparative “lower”

When using the comparative form lower to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The price is lower than it was last week." Here, than is used to show that the price now is at a smaller amount than the price last week.

How can I use this expression in context?

“lower” and “lowest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Temperature

    The temperature in winter is lower than in summer.

    The temperature in winter is lower than in summer.

  • 2Prices

    This store offers the lowest prices in town.

    This store offers the lowest prices in town.

  • 3Rankings

    His score on the test was the lowest in the class.

    His score on the test was the lowest in the class.

  • 4Hierarchy

    She holds the lowest position in the company.

    She holds the lowest position in the company.

  • 5Achievements

    This is his lowest score in the competition so far.

    This is his lowest score in the competition so far.

Related idioms and phrases

Hit rock bottom

To reach the lowest point or level

Example

After losing his job and his home, he felt like he had hit rock bottom.

Sink to new lows

To behave in a way that is even worse or more unacceptable than before

Example

The politician's scandal caused his approval ratings to sink to new lows.

In the depths of despair

Feeling extremely sad or hopeless

Example

After the breakup, she was in the depths of despair.

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