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 “sadder”?

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

Example

She felt sadder after hearing the news.

Example

He looked sadder than usual today.

What is the superlative form of “sadder”?

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

Example

Among all the characters in the movie, she had the saddest story.

Example

The saddest part of the play was when the protagonist lost everything.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Sad does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard 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 to hold back her tears.

Used to describe a feeling of sadness tinged with a sense of longing or nostalgia

Example

The more melancholy the music became, the more she felt a sense of yearning.

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 about finding his lost dog.

Expressions with similar meanings to “saddest”

Similar to saddest, this emphasizes the highest level of sadness

Example

The most sorrowful moment of her life was when she said goodbye to her loved ones.

Used to describe the highest level of sadness tinged with a sense of longing or nostalgia

Example

The most melancholy song in the album brought tears to her eyes.

most despondent

Used to describe the highest level of extreme hopelessness or despair

Example

After losing everything, he felt most despondent and didn't know how to move forward.

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: "She felt sadder than her friend." Here, than is used to show that the level of 'her' sadness is greater than the level of her friend's sadness.

How can I use this expression in context?

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

    He became sadder as the days went by.

    He became sadder as the days went by.

  • 2Personal Experiences

    Losing her job was one of the saddest moments in her life.

    Losing her job was one of the saddest moments in her life.

  • 3Stories and Literature

    The saddest part of the book was when the main character died.

    The saddest part of the book was when the main character died.

  • 4Relationships

    Their breakup left him feeling sadder than ever before.

    Their breakup left him feeling sadder than ever before.

  • 5Events and Situations

    The saddest day of the year is when they have to say goodbye.

    The saddest day of the year is when they have to say goodbye.

Related idioms and phrases

Cry over spilled milk

To be upset or regretful about something that has already happened and cannot be changed

Example

There's no use crying over spilled milk. We just have to move on.

Down in the dumps

Feeling sad or depressed

Example

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

Heartbreaking

Causing intense sadness or grief

Example

The news of the accident was absolutely heartbreaking.

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