What is the comparative form of “touchy”?

The comparative form of “touchy” is “touchier”.

Example

She is touchier than her sister when it comes to criticism.

Example

He became touchier as the conversation progressed.

What is the superlative form of “touchy”?

The superlative form of “touchy” is “touchiest”.

Example

Among all the siblings, she is the touchiest when it comes to criticism.

Example

He is known for being the touchiest person in the office.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally used with touchy, touchier, and touchiest to indicate increased levels of sensitivity or reactivity. These forms are considered regular comparatives and superlatives. However, it is also acceptable to use the words more touchy and most touchy to emphasize the degree of sensitivity or reactivity.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Touchy follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Touchy → Touchier or More touchy Superlative: Touchy → Touchiest or Most touchy

Expressions with similar meanings to “touchier”

more sensitive

Used to describe someone who is easily affected or offended

Example

He is more sensitive to criticism than his colleagues.

more reactive

Used to indicate someone who reacts strongly or emotionally to certain situations

Example

She is more reactive to stressful situations than others.

more delicate

Used to describe someone who is easily upset or hurt

Example

He is more delicate in his emotional responses compared to his friends.

Expressions with similar meanings to “touchiest”

most sensitive

Similar to touchiest, this emphasizes extreme sensitivity to criticism

Example

She is the most sensitive person I know when it comes to feedback.

most reactive

Used to describe the highest level of emotional reaction to certain situations

Example

He is the most reactive person in the group when it comes to conflicts.

most delicate

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of emotional sensitivity

Example

She is the most delicate person in the family when it comes to handling criticism.

Using than with comparative “touchier”

When using the comparative form touchier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is touchier than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of sensitivity of 'she' is greater than the level of sensitivity of her sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“touchier” and “touchiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

1Emotional Reactions
He became touchier as the conversation progressed.
He became touchier as the conversation progressed.
2Interpersonal Relationships
She is touchier than her sister when it comes to criticism.
She is touchier than her sister when it comes to criticism.
3Work Environment
He is known for being the touchiest person in the office.
He is known for being the touchiest person in the office.
4Personal Traits
She is the touchiest person I know when it comes to feedback.
She is the touchiest person I know when it comes to feedback.
5Family Dynamics
Among all the siblings, she is the touchiest when it comes to criticism.
Among all the siblings, she is the touchiest when it comes to criticism.

Related idioms and phrases

Walking on eggshells

To be extremely cautious or sensitive in dealing with a particular person or situation.

Example

I have to be careful what I say around him because it feels like I'm walking on eggshells.

Thin-skinned

Easily offended or upset by criticism or insults.

Example

He's so thin-skinned that even the slightest comment can hurt his feelings.

Handle with kid gloves

To treat someone or something delicately or cautiously.

Example

The boss is very sensitive about his performance, so we have to handle him with kid gloves.