Learn how to use the comparative “sillier” and superlative “silliest” 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 “silly”?

The comparative form of “silly” is “sillier”.

Example

The clown's costume is sillier than the magician's.

Example

She made a sillier mistake than her sister.

What is the superlative form of “silly”?

The superlative form of “silly” is “silliest”.

Example

Among all the costumes, the clown's outfit is the silliest.

Example

Her mistake was considered the silliest of them all.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

When comparing the adjective silly, you can use either 'more' or 'most' to form the comparative and superlative forms. Both sillier and silliest are correct and commonly used. However, using 'more' and 'most' is more formal and can add emphasis to the comparison. So, to summarize: Comparative: SillySillier or More silly Superlative: SillySilliest or Most silly

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Silly follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives when using 'more' and 'most'. So, to summarize: Comparative: SillySillier or More silly Superlative: SillySilliest or Most silly

Expressions with similar meanings to “sillier”

Used to describe something that is even more foolish or lacking in common sense

Example

His decision to quit his job without a backup plan was more foolish than I expected.

Used to indicate someone or something that is less intelligent or lacking in intelligence

Example

The dog's behavior was dumber than usual, as it kept running into walls.

Used to describe something that is even more absurd or laughable

Example

The plot of the movie was more ridiculous than I could have imagined.

Expressions with similar meanings to “silliest”

Similar to silliest, this emphasizes the highest level of foolishness or lack of common sense

Example

His decision to jump off the bridge without checking for safety measures was the most foolish.

Used to describe the highest level of lack of intelligence or stupidity

Example

The dog's attempt to catch its own tail was the dumbest thing I've ever seen.

Used to describe the highest level of absurdity or laughability

Example

The twist in the story was the most ridiculous part of the entire book.

Using than with comparative “sillier”

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

How can I use this expression in context?

“sillier” and “silliest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Jokes

    His joke was sillier than hers.

    His joke was sillier than hers.

  • 2Costumes

    The clown's outfit was considered the silliest at the party.

    The clown's outfit was considered the silliest at the party.

  • 3Mistakes

    Her error was the silliest of them all.

    Her error was the silliest of them all.

  • 4Behavior

    The child's tantrum was sillier than usual.

    The child's tantrum was sillier than usual.

  • 5Actions

    His decision to quit his job without another lined up was sillier than I expected.

    His decision to quit his job without another lined up was sillier than I expected.

Related idioms and phrases

Act the fool

To behave in a silly or foolish manner.

Example

He loves to act the fool and make everyone laugh.

Make a fool of oneself

To do something that makes oneself look silly or foolish.

Example

She made a fool of herself by tripping over her own feet in front of everyone.

Laugh like a hyena

To laugh loudly and uncontrollably.

Example

The comedian's jokes had the audience laughing like hyenas.

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