Learn how to use the comparative “colder” and superlative “coldest” 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 “subfreezing”?

The comparative form of “subfreezing” is “colder”.

Example

Today is colder than yesterday.

Example

The temperature in the Arctic is colder than anywhere else on Earth.

What is the superlative form of “subfreezing”?

The superlative form of “subfreezing” is “coldest”.

Example

The North Pole is known for being the coldest place on Earth.

Example

Among all the seasons, winter is the coldest.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Subfreezing does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: SubfreezingColder Superlative: SubfreezingColdest

Expressions with similar meanings to “colder”

Used to describe something that is colder in a slightly uncomfortable or unpleasant way

Example

The wind made the air feel chillier than it actually was.

Used to describe something that is colder with a layer of frost or ice

Example

The frostier temperatures caused the roads to become slippery.

A formal way of expressing increased coldness

Example

The more frigid temperatures in the winter require extra layers of clothing.

Expressions with similar meanings to “coldest”

Similar to coldest, this emphasizes a slightly uncomfortable or unpleasant level of coldness

Example

The wind made the air feel chilliest during the winter storm.

Used to describe the highest level of coldness with a layer of frost or ice

Example

The frostiest temperatures of the year are usually experienced in January.

A formal way of expressing the highest level of coldness

Example

The most frigid temperatures ever recorded were in Antarctica.

Using than with comparative “colder”

When using the comparative form colder to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Today is colder than yesterday." Here, than is used to show that the temperature of 'today' is lower than the temperature of 'yesterday'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“colder” and “coldest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Weather

    The winter season is colder than the summer season.

    The winter season is colder than the summer season.

  • 2Locations

    The North Pole is known for being the coldest place on Earth.

    The North Pole is known for being the coldest place on Earth.

  • 3Food and Drinks

    I prefer my drinks to be colder than room temperature.

    I prefer my drinks to be colder than room temperature.

  • 4Objects

    The ice cream in the freezer is colder than the milk in the fridge.

    The ice cream in the freezer is colder than the milk in the fridge.

  • 5Feelings

    Her heart grew colder as she realized the truth.

    Her heart grew colder as she realized the truth.

Related idioms and phrases

Cold as ice

To be extremely cold.

Example

After being outside in the snow, her hands were cold as ice.

In the cold light of day

To see or understand something clearly, especially after a period of confusion or uncertainty.

Example

After a good night's sleep, she saw the situation in the cold light of day and realized she had made a mistake.

Give someone the cold shoulder

To intentionally ignore or reject someone.

Example

After their argument, he decided to give her the cold shoulder and didn't speak to her for days.

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