Learn how to use the comparative “madder” and superlative “maddest” 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 “mad”?

The comparative form of “mad” is “madder”.

Example

She is madder than her sister.

Example

He became madder as the argument escalated.

What is the superlative form of “mad”?

The superlative form of “mad” is “maddest”.

Example

Of all the characters in the play, she played the maddest one.

Example

He is known for having the maddest sense of humor.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “madder”

Used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or irrational

Example

The crazier he got, the harder it was to reason with him.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased level of madness

Example

The asylum housed patients with more insane behavior than anyone had ever seen.

Used to describe someone who is unpredictable or uncontrollable

Example

Her wilder behavior worried her friends.

Expressions with similar meanings to “maddest”

Similar to maddest, this emphasizes extreme mental instability or irrationality

Example

The craziest person I know is always talking to imaginary friends.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of madness

Example

The asylum housed patients with the most insane behavior imaginable.

wildest

Used to describe someone with the most unpredictable or uncontrollable behavior

Example

The party got wildest when the music started playing.

Using than with comparative “madder”

When using the comparative form madder to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is madder than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of madness in 'her' is greater than the level of madness in her sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“madder” and “maddest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Behavior

    His actions became madder as the night went on.

    His actions became madder as the night went on.

  • 2Emotions

    She felt madder than she had ever felt before.

    She felt madder than she had ever felt before.

  • 3Situations

    The situation grew madder as more people got involved.

    The situation grew madder as more people got involved.

  • 4Creativity

    The artist's work was the maddest and most unconventional of all.

    The artist's work was the maddest and most unconventional of all.

  • 5Humor

    He has the maddest sense of humor, always making everyone laugh.

    He has the maddest sense of humor, always making everyone laugh.

Related idioms and phrases

As mad as a hatter

To be completely crazy or insane.

Example

After spending years alone in the woods, he became as mad as a hatter.

Mad as a March hare

To be extremely crazy or wild.

Example

She danced around the room, mad as a March hare.

Drive someone mad

To make someone extremely frustrated or angry.

Example

The constant noise from the construction site was enough to drive me mad.

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