Learn how to use the comparative “richer” and superlative “richest” 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 “rich”?

The comparative form of “rich” is “richer”.

Example

He is richer than his brother.

Example

Her new job pays richer dividends.

What is the superlative form of “rich”?

The superlative form of “rich” is “richest”.

Example

Among all the businessmen, he is the richest.

Example

The oil tycoon is known for being the richest person in the world.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “richer”

Used to describe someone who has more money or possessions

Example

The wealthier family was able to afford a luxurious vacation.

A slightly formal way of expressing increased wealth or prosperity

Example

The more affluent neighborhoods have larger houses and nicer amenities.

better-off

Used to describe someone who is in a more favorable financial situation

Example

After winning the lottery, they became better-off than before.

Expressions with similar meanings to “richest”

Similar to richest, this emphasizes both financial abundance and prosperity

Example

The wealthiest individuals often invest their money in various ventures.

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of wealth or prosperity

Example

The most affluent countries have high standards of living and strong economies.

best-off

Used to describe someone who is in the most favorable financial situation

Example

The CEO of the company is the best-off among all the employees.

Using than with comparative “richer”

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

How can I use this expression in context?

“richer” and “richest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Income

    His salary is richer than hers.

    His salary is richer than hers.

  • 2Business

    The new company is richer in terms of assets and investments.

    The new company is richer in terms of assets and investments.

  • 3Lifestyle

    They live in a richer neighborhood with larger houses.

    They live in a richer neighborhood with larger houses.

  • 4Resources

    The country is known for its richest reserves of natural resources.

    The country is known for its richest reserves of natural resources.

  • 5Achievements

    His successful business venture was his richest accomplishment.

    His successful business venture was his richest accomplishment.

Related idioms and phrases

Rolling in money

To have an excessive amount of money.

Example

After winning the lottery, they were rolling in money.

Filthy rich

To be extremely wealthy.

Example

The billionaire entrepreneur is filthy rich.

Money talks

The power and influence of money.

Example

In politics, money talks and can sway decisions.

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