What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
highest
Example
The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest. [highest: adjective]
Example
She reached the highest level in her career as CEO of the company. [highest: noun]
Example
The temperature reached its highest point in the afternoon. [highest: adverb]
greatest
Example
Albert Einstein is considered one of the greatest scientists of all time. [greatest: adjective]
Example
The greatest challenge of my life was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. [greatest: noun]
Example
Her greatest strength is her ability to empathize with others. [greatest: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Greatest is more commonly used than highest in everyday language. Greatest is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while highest is less common and typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between highest and greatest?
Both highest and greatest can be used in formal or informal contexts, but highest is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, which may make it sound more formal in certain situations.
