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 “saddest”?

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

Example

She looked sadder than usual today.

Example

His story made me feel sadder than I expected.

What is the superlative form of “saddest”?

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

Example

Out of all the movies I've seen, this one is the saddest.

Example

The loss of a loved one is often considered one of life's saddest moments.

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 or sorrow

Example

The news of her friend's passing left her feeling more sorrowful than ever.

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

Example

The old photograph brought back memories and made her feel more melancholy.

more despondent

Used to describe a feeling of extreme hopelessness or despair

Example

After losing his job, he became more despondent with each passing day.

Expressions with similar meanings to “saddest”

Similar to saddest, this emphasizes the highest level of sadness or sorrow

Example

The funeral was a most sorrowful occasion for everyone in attendance.

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

Example

The song's haunting melody and lyrics evoked the most melancholy feelings.

most despondent

Used to describe the highest level of extreme hopelessness or despair

Example

In the depths of his depression, he felt most despondent and saw no way out.

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 looked sadder than her friend." Here, than is used to show that the level of sadness in 'her' appearance is greater than the level of sadness in her friend's appearance.

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 than he had ever felt before.

    He felt sadder than he had ever felt before.

  • 2Loss

    The death of a loved one is one of the saddest experiences in life.

    The death of a loved one is one of the saddest experiences in life.

  • 3Movies/Books

    The ending of the movie left me feeling saddest.

    The ending of the movie left me feeling saddest.

  • 4Music

    The song's lyrics and melody made it the saddest song I've ever heard.

    The song's lyrics and melody made it the saddest song I've ever heard.

  • 5Events

    The breakup was one of the saddest moments in her life.

    The breakup was one of the saddest moments in her life.

Related idioms and phrases

Down in the dumps

Feeling sad or depressed.

Example

After failing the exam, she was down in the dumps for days.

Cry one's eyes out

To cry excessively or uncontrollably.

Example

When she heard the news, she cried her eyes out.

Heartbreaking

Causing great sadness or distress.

Example

The heartbreaking story moved everyone to tears.

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