Learn how to use the comparative “less pretentious” and superlative “least pretentious” 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 “unpretentious”?

The comparative form of “unpretentious” is “less pretentious”.

Example

The small neighborhood cafe is less pretentious than the fancy restaurant downtown.

Example

Her style is less pretentious than that of the fashion models.

What is the superlative form of “unpretentious”?

The superlative form of “unpretentious” is “least pretentious”.

Example

Among all the art galleries in the city, this one is the least pretentious.

Example

His down-to-earth personality makes him the least pretentious celebrity.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Most" and "more" are used with "pretentious" to form the comparatives and superlatives. The forms "less pretentious" and "least pretentious" are commonly used to indicate a lower degree of pretentiousness.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Pretentious" follows the regular pattern of using "less" and "least" for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Expressions with similar meanings to “less pretentious”

Used to describe something or someone that is more modest or unassuming.

Example

I prefer more humble accommodations when I travel.

Used to indicate something that is less showy or extravagant.

Example

The minimalist design of the house is less ostentatious than the neighboring mansions.

Expressions with similar meanings to “least pretentious”

Used to describe something or someone that is the most modest or unassuming.

Example

She has the most humble background of all the contestants.

Used to indicate something that is the least showy or extravagant.

Example

The simple and functional design of the car makes it the least ostentatious in its class.

Using than with comparative “less pretentious”

When using the comparative form "less pretentious" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "The small neighborhood cafe is less pretentious than the fancy restaurant downtown." Here, "than" is used to show that the level of pretentiousness in the small neighborhood cafe is lower than the level of pretentiousness in the fancy restaurant downtown.

How can I use this expression in context?

“less pretentious” and “least pretentious” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Places

    The local pub is less pretentious than the upscale bar in the city center.

    The local pub is less pretentious than the upscale bar in the city center.

  • 2People

    He is the least pretentious person I know.

    He is the least pretentious person I know.

  • 3Art

    The abstract painting is more pretentious than the simple landscape.

    The abstract painting is more pretentious than the simple landscape.

  • 4Language

    Using plain language is less pretentious than using complex jargon.

    Using plain language is less pretentious than using complex jargon.

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