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 “richest”?

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

Example

He is richer than his brother.

Example

The new CEO is richer than the previous one.

What is the superlative form of “richest”?

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

Example

Among all the businessmen, he is the richest.

Example

The company's founder is known as the richest person in the industry.

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 wealth or possessions

Example

The wealthier family lived in a mansion.

A 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 financially.

Expressions with similar meanings to “richest”

Similar to richest, this emphasizes having the most wealth or possessions

Example

The wealthiest individuals in the world are often philanthropists.

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

Example

The most affluent countries have high standards of living for their citizens.

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.
  • 1Individuals

    She is richer than her neighbor.

    She is richer than her neighbor.

  • 2Companies

    The new company is richer than its competitors.

    The new company is richer than its competitors.

  • 3Countries

    The United States is known as one of the richest countries in the world.

    The United States is known as one of the richest countries in the world.

  • 4Industries

    The tech industry is one of the richest industries in terms of revenue.

    The tech industry is one of the richest industries in terms of revenue.

  • 5Achievements

    His successful business venture was his richest accomplishment.

    His successful business venture was his richest accomplishment.

Related idioms and phrases

Filthy rich

Describing someone who is extremely wealthy or rich

Example

After winning the lottery, he became filthy rich.

Money talks

The power and influence that money has in society

Example

In politics, money talks and can sway decisions.

Rolling in dough

To have a lot of money or be very wealthy

Example

After his successful business venture, he was rolling in dough.

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