Learn how to use the comparative “tinier” and superlative “tiniest” 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 “tiny”?

The comparative form of “tiny” is “tinier”.

Example

The toy car is tinier than the real car.

Example

She has a tinier waist than her sister.

What is the superlative form of “tiny”?

The superlative form of “tiny” is “tiniest”.

Example

Among all the puppies, the runt is the tiniest.

Example

The ant is known for being the tiniest insect.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

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

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

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

Expressions with similar meanings to “tinier”

Used to describe something that is smaller in size or scale

Example

The smaller box is easier to carry.

A slightly formal way of expressing something that is extremely small

Example

The microscope revealed the more minuscule details of the specimen.

Used to indicate something that is smaller in quantity or importance

Example

He chose the lesser of two evils.

Expressions with similar meanings to “tiniest”

Similar to tiniest, this emphasizes the smallest size or scale

Example

The smallest pebble can cause a ripple in the water.

A slightly formal way of expressing the smallest possible size

Example

The most minuscule particles are invisible to the naked eye.

Used to describe the smallest quantity or importance

Example

She had the least amount of money among her friends.

Using than with comparative “tinier”

When using the comparative form tinier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Her house is tinier than mine." Here, than is used to show that the size of 'her' house is smaller than the size of 'mine'.

How can I use this expression in context?

“tinier” and “tiniest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Objects

    The new phone is tinier than the old one.

    The new phone is tinier than the old one.

  • 2Animals

    The hummingbird is the tiniest bird in the world.

    The hummingbird is the tiniest bird in the world.

  • 3Food

    The cupcake has a tinier portion compared to the cake.

    The cupcake has a tinier portion compared to the cake.

  • 4Living Spaces

    Their apartment is tinier than ours.

    Their apartment is tinier than ours.

  • 5Details

    The artist painted the tiniest brushstrokes to create a realistic effect.

    The artist painted the tiniest brushstrokes to create a realistic effect.

Related idioms and phrases

Small fry

Referring to someone or something that is unimportant or insignificant.

Example

Don't worry about those critics, they're just small fry.

In a nutshell

To describe something in a concise or summarized manner.

Example

Can you explain the theory to me in a nutshell?

Size doesn't matter

The belief that the importance or value of something is not determined by its size.

Example

Don't underestimate her abilities just because she's small. Size doesn't matter.

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