Learn how to use the comparative “softer” and superlative “softest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “softer”?

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

Example

The pillow is softer than the mattress.

Example

Her voice became softer as she spoke softly.

What is the superlative form of “softer”?

The superlative form of “softer” is “softest”.

Example

Among all the blankets, the cashmere blanket is the softest.

Example

The baby's skin is known for being the softest and most delicate.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Soft does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Soft → Softer Superlative: Soft → Softest

Expressions with similar meanings to “softer”

gentler

Used to describe something that is softer in a delicate or mild manner

Example

The gentler touch of the silk fabric felt soothing against her skin.

smoother

Used to indicate something that is softer in terms of texture or surface

Example

The lotion made her skin feel smoother and more hydrated.

more supple

A slightly formal way of expressing increased softness or flexibility

Example

The more supple leather jacket was much more comfortable to wear.

Expressions with similar meanings to “softest”

gentlest

Similar to softest, this emphasizes both softness and delicacy

Example

The gentlest touch of the feather tickled her skin.

smoothest

Used to describe the highest level of softness in terms of texture or surface

Example

The silk sheets felt like the smoothest fabric against her body.

most supple

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of softness or flexibility

Example

The most supple suede gloves were incredibly soft and comfortable.

Using than with comparative “softer”

When using the comparative form softer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The pillow is softer than the mattress." Here, than is used to show that the softness of the pillow is greater than the softness of the mattress.

How can I use this expression in context?

“softer” and “softest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Materials

  The velvet fabric is softer than the denim fabric.

  The velvet fabric is softer than the denim fabric.

• 2. Textures

  The baby's skin is softest when it is well moisturized.

  The baby's skin is softest when it is well moisturized.

• 3. Sounds

  The music became softer as the volume was turned down.

  The music became softer as the volume was turned down.

• 4. Speech

  Her voice became softer as she whispered.

  Her voice became softer as she whispered.

• 5. Touch

  The plush toy is softer than the plastic toy.

  The plush toy is softer than the plastic toy.

Related idioms and phrases

As soft as a feather

Describing something that is extremely soft and gentle.

Example

The baby's skin was as soft as a feather.

Softly, softly, catchee monkey

To proceed cautiously and patiently in order to achieve a goal.

Example

He approached the situation softly, softly, catchee monkey to avoid any unnecessary conflict.

Soft in the head

To be foolish or lacking intelligence.

Example

He made such a silly mistake. He must be soft in the head.