Learn how to use the comparative “madder” and superlative “maddest” with example sentences and differences.

📝

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 “maddest”?

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

Example

She is madder than her sister.

Example

He became madder as the argument continued.

What is the superlative form of “maddest”?

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

Example

Among all the contestants, she is the maddest.

Example

The horror movie is known for being the maddest film of all time.

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 more nonsensical his arguments became.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased madness or insanity

Example

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “maddest”

Used to describe the highest level of madness or insanity

Example

The craziest person in the room was talking to imaginary friends.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of madness or insanity

Example

The patient's behavior was the most insane the doctors had ever witnessed.

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.

  • 2Movies

    The horror film was filled with the maddest characters.

    The horror film was filled with the maddest characters.

  • 3Psychology

    The patient exhibited the maddest behavior the psychiatrist had ever seen.

    The patient exhibited the maddest behavior the psychiatrist had ever seen.

  • 4Emotions

    She felt the maddest anger she had ever experienced.

    She felt the maddest anger she had ever experienced.

  • 5Creativity

    The artist's imagination led to the creation of the maddest artwork.

    The artist's imagination led to the creation of the maddest artwork.

Related idioms and phrases

As mad as a hatter

To be completely crazy or insane.

Example

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

Drive someone mad

To cause someone to become extremely irritated or frustrated.

Example

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

Mad as a March hare

To be completely crazy or wild.

Example

After staying up all night, he started acting as mad as a March hare.

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!