Learn how to use the comparative “more merry” and superlative “merriest” 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 “overmerry”?

The comparative form of “overmerry” is “more merry”.

Example

She was more merry than anyone else at the party.

Example

The children laughed more merrily than ever before.

What is the superlative form of “overmerry”?

The superlative form of “overmerry” is “merriest”.

Example

Among all the guests, she was the merriest.

Example

The children were known for being the merriest in the neighborhood.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Merry does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: MerryMore merry Superlative: MerryMerriest

Expressions with similar meanings to “more merry”

Used to describe someone who is more joyful or cheerful

Example

He seemed happier after receiving the good news.

Similar to merry, this emphasizes a sense of joy and mirth

Example

The jollier the atmosphere, the more enjoyable the party.

Used to describe a greater level of celebration or joy during a specific event or occasion

Example

The Christmas decorations made the house more festive.

Expressions with similar meanings to “merriest”

Similar to merriest, this emphasizes a higher level of joy or cheerfulness

Example

She was the happiest person in the room.

Used to describe the highest level of joy and mirth

Example

The jolliest person at the party always knows how to make everyone laugh.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of celebration or joy during a specific event or occasion

Example

The most festive decorations were put up for the grand opening.

Using than with comparative “more merry”

When using the comparative form more merry to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She was more merry than her friends." Here, than is used to show that the level of 'her' merriness is greater than the level of her friends' merriness.

How can I use this expression in context?

“more merry” and “merriest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Parties and Celebrations

    The birthday girl was more merry than anyone else at the party.

    The birthday girl was more merry than anyone else at the party.

  • 2Holidays

    The Christmas carolers sang the merriest songs in the neighborhood.

    The Christmas carolers sang the merriest songs in the neighborhood.

  • 3Festivals

    The town's annual carnival is known for being more merry each year.

    The town's annual carnival is known for being more merry each year.

  • 4Gatherings

    The family reunion was filled with laughter and merriment.

    The family reunion was filled with laughter and merriment.

  • 5Performances

    The actors delivered their lines with more merriment than ever before.

    The actors delivered their lines with more merriment than ever before.

Related idioms and phrases

Laugh one's head off

To laugh very loudly or uncontrollably.

Example

The comedian's jokes were so funny that the audience laughed their heads off.

In high spirits

To be in a happy or joyful mood.

Example

After winning the game, the team was in high spirits.

Burst into laughter

To suddenly start laughing.

Example

When she heard the joke, she burst into laughter.

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