The comparative form of “stupid” is “stupider.” While some might argue for “more stupid,” major dictionaries and common usage confirm “stupider” as the grammatically correct option. This applies to the superlative form as well: “stupidest” is preferred over “most stupid.” Let’s explore why.
Understanding Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
Comparative adjectives compare two things, indicating that one possesses a quality to a greater degree than the other. Superlative adjectives, on the other hand, express that something possesses a quality to the highest degree. Forming these usually depends on the number of syllables in the original adjective:
- One-syllable adjectives: Add “-er” for comparative and “-est” for superlative (e.g., big, bigger, biggest).
- Three or more syllable adjectives: Use “more” for comparative and “most” for superlative (e.g., beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful).
- Two-syllable adjectives: These follow a less consistent pattern. Some use “-er” and “-est” (e.g., heavier, heaviest), while others use “more” and “most” (e.g., lurid, more lurid, most lurid).
Why “Stupider” and Not “More Stupid”?
The two-syllable nature of “stupid” places it in the category with variable comparative and superlative forms. Despite this variability, “stupider” and “stupidest” have been established as the standard forms. Historical usage dating back at least two centuries supports this. While “more stupid” isn’t technically incorrect, it deviates from the widely accepted convention.
Animated gif of actor Tony Hale on a talk show looking puzzled.
Real-World Examples of “Stupider” and “Stupidest”
The usage of “stupider” and “stupidest” is prevalent in various publications, demonstrating their acceptance in written English. Here are a few examples showcasing their natural integration into sentences:
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“That’s even stupider in a real world which proves just the opposite.” – The New Yorker This example highlights how “stupider” effectively conveys a heightened degree of stupidity in a comparative context.
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“That means slower – drunker – fatter – stupider. No one can compete with that.” – The Sydney Morning Herald Here, “stupider” fits seamlessly into a list of comparative adjectives, emphasizing a worsening condition.
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“Over at Reddit, people are sharing the stupidest reasons they fight with their significant others, and there are some real doozies.” – Cosmopolitan This sentence uses “stupidest” to denote the highest degree of foolishness among a collection of reasons.
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“Park rangers have revealed some of the stupidest things they have witnessed on the job…and while some of the tales are hilarious, others are downright dangerous.” – Stuff.co.nz This example uses “stupidest” to describe the most extreme examples of foolish behavior observed by park rangers. These examples underscore the grammatical correctness and practical application of “stupider” and “stupidest” in everyday language.
A Note on Usage
While grammatically correct, it’s important to remember that “stupid,” “stupider,” and “stupidest” can be offensive. Consider your audience and context before using these words. Opt for more respectful language in formal settings or when addressing sensitive topics.
