What is the comparative form of “rife”?
The comparative form of “rife” is “rifer”.Example
The pandemic is rifer in densely populated areas.
Example
The rumors are rifer than ever before.
What is the superlative form of “rife”?
The superlative form of “rife” is “rifist”.Example
Among all the cities, New York City is the rifist in terms of cultural diversity.
Example
This year's flu season has been the rifist in recent history.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' can be used with rife, rifer, and rifist. They are considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more rife' and 'most rife' are commonly used to express increased prevalence or occurrence. However, it is important to note that 'rifer' and 'rifist' are less commonly used and may sound awkward in certain contexts.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Rife follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Rife → Rifer Superlative: Rife → Rifist
Expressions with similar meanings to “rifer”
Example
In recent years, social media has made fake news more prevalent.
Example
During the rainy season, mosquitoes are more abundant.
Expressions with similar meanings to “rifist”
Example
Among all the diseases, cancer is the most prevalent.
Example
The Amazon rainforest is home to the most abundant biodiversity on Earth.
Using than with comparative “rifer”
When using the comparative form rifer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The pandemic is rifer in densely populated areas than in rural areas." Here, than is used to show that the prevalence of the pandemic is greater in densely populated areas compared to rural areas.
How can I use this expression in context?
“rifer” and “rifist” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Diseases
The new strain of the virus is rifer than the previous one.
The new strain of the virus is rifer than the previous one.
- 2Rumors
The gossip about their breakup is rifer than ever.
The gossip about their breakup is rifer than ever.
- 3Issues
The problem of pollution is rifer in urban areas.
The problem of pollution is rifer in urban areas.
- 4Conflicts
The tension between the two countries is at its rifist point.
The tension between the two countries is at its rifist point.
- 5Occurrences
This year's wildfires have been the rifist in decades.
This year's wildfires have been the rifist in decades.
Related idioms and phrases
Spread like wildfire
To spread rapidly and uncontrollably.
Example
The news of the scandal spread like wildfire throughout the town.
In full swing
At the peak or highest level of activity or intensity.
Example
The festival was in full swing with music, dancing, and food.
On the rise
Increasing or becoming more prevalent.
Example
Crime rates have been on the rise in the city.
