Learn how to use the comparative “sadder” and superlative “saddest” 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 “sad”?

The comparative form of “sad” is “sadder”.

Example

She felt sadder after hearing the news.

Example

His face looked sadder than usual.

What is the superlative form of “sad”?

The superlative form of “sad” is “saddest”.

Example

Among all the characters, she had the saddest backstory.

Example

The movie is known for having the saddest ending.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally used with sad, sadder, and saddest to indicate a higher degree of sadness. They can be used interchangeably, but 'most' is more commonly used with two-syllable adjectives and 'more' is more commonly used with adjectives with three or more syllables. For example, you can say 'more sad' or 'most sad' instead of 'sadder' or 'saddest', respectively.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Sad follows the regular pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: SadSadder Superlative: SadSaddest

Expressions with similar meanings to “sadder”

Used to describe a deeper level of sadness

Example

The more sorrowful she became, the harder it was for her to smile.

Used to describe a feeling of sadness with a touch of nostalgia

Example

The rainy weather made her feel more melancholy than usual.

more despondent

Used to describe a feeling of extreme hopelessness or despair

Example

As the days went by without any news, he grew more despondent.

Expressions with similar meanings to “saddest”

Similar to saddest, this emphasizes the highest level of sadness

Example

Out of all the mourners, she had the most sorrowful expression.

Used to describe the highest level of sadness with a touch of nostalgia

Example

The old photographs evoked the most melancholy feelings in her.

most despondent

Used to describe the highest level of extreme hopelessness or despair

Example

After losing everything, he felt most despondent about his future.

Using than with comparative “sadder”

When using the comparative form sadder to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Her situation is sadder than his." Here, than is used to show that the level of sadness in 'her' situation is greater than the level of sadness in 'his' situation.

How can I use this expression in context?

“sadder” and “saddest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Emotions

    He felt sadder as the days went by.

    He felt sadder as the days went by.

  • 2Loss

    The death of her pet was the saddest moment of her life.

    The death of her pet was the saddest moment of her life.

  • 3Stories

    The book has a saddest ending that will leave you in tears.

    The book has a saddest ending that will leave you in tears.

  • 4Music

    The song's lyrics evoke sadder emotions.

    The song's lyrics evoke sadder emotions.

  • 5Relationships

    Their breakup was the saddest event in their relationship.

    Their breakup was the saddest event in their relationship.

Related idioms and phrases

Down in the dumps

Feeling sad or depressed.

Example

She's been down in the dumps ever since she lost her job.

Cry one's heart out

To cry intensely or for a long period of time.

Example

After the breakup, she cried her heart out for hours.

Wear one's heart on one's sleeve

To openly display or express one's emotions.

Example

He's not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and show his true feelings.

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