smartest

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "smartest" is a correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe someone or something as the most intelligent or clever. For example: "She was the smartest person in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the smartest things Microsoft has added is Continuum, which detects the state of the computer and presents the right interface depending on whether a keyboard and mouse is being used or the screen is being touched.

The Guardian - Tech

But to hear Blunkett speak, even for a few minutes, about preparing to take office in 1997, was to hear someone who truly understood the magic of education – who really believed in helping all children, not mostly the smartest.

The Guardian

It was significant also that on the day that Jobs revealed this insight to the world, standing next to him on the stage was John Doerr, one of Silicon Valley's smartest investors, who was there to announce the setting up of a $100m investment fund for app developers.

The Guardian - Tech

With Henry or Olave, a loss will direct abuse at Petke from the fanbase for letting a great chance at silverware go; a draw or a win will make him look like the smartest guy in the room.

The Guardian - Sport

"Streaming is the growth in music, and Spotify is the growth in streaming," said Ek, in a convincing pitch for his company to become the smartest streaming music service, thanks to its new features – at least until we see what Apple has planned.

The Guardian - Tech

Some of the smartest boutique properties are here, and this is increasingly the place for the hippy-chic crowd to eat, drink and party.

The Guardian - Travel

Just 500m from watersports hotspot Shark Bay, this is by far the newest and smartest option for those who want somewhere comfortable to rest their aching, salty limbs.

The Guardian - Travel

We were creating a world where the smartest way to survive is to be bland.

The Guardian - Tech

Knegt accurately deduced that it was "not the smartest thing I've ever done", after the Dutch team were stripped of their silver medals and Knegt of his individual bronze.

The Guardian - Sport

(Although as a special adviser to the coalition, some of the smartest lobbying I witnessed was from scientists making sure their own research area fell within the eight-great list rather than just outside it).

The Guardian

Vote for us, they said, and schools will be able to apply for extra funding to help the smartest children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smartest" to clearly indicate the highest degree of intelligence or cleverness within a group or context. For instance, "She is the "smartest" student in her class."

Common error

Avoid using "smartest" when the context is subjective or based on personal opinion. Instead of saying "This is the "smartest" design", consider "This is the most effective design" if you are referring to functionality. If you mean that you like the design best, say "This design is my favorite."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "smartest" is as a superlative adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate that it possesses the highest degree of intelligence or cleverness compared to others. As confirmed by Ludwig, the term follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "smartest" is a superlative adjective used to denote the highest degree of intelligence or cleverness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. Its usage is common across various contexts, including news, business, and general conversation. When using "smartest", ensure that it's based on objective criteria and avoid overuse in subjective situations. Alternatives include "most intelligent", "brightest", and "most clever", each offering slightly different nuances. As proven by a large number of examples, the word "smartest" is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most intelligent

Replaces "smartest" with a more formal synonym focusing on intellectual capacity.

brightest

Similar to "smartest" but can also imply quick-wittedness or cleverness.

most clever

Highlights ingenuity and resourcefulness rather than general intelligence.

most astute

Emphasizes sharpness of mind and perception.

most ingenious

Focuses on inventiveness and creativity in problem-solving.

most brilliant

Suggests exceptional talent or intellect.

most knowledgeable

Highlights expertise and depth of understanding.

most perceptive

Emphasizes the ability to understand nuances and subtleties.

most sharp-witted

Focuses on quick and intelligent responses.

most insightful

Highlights the capacity to gain a deep understanding of things.

FAQs

How can I use "smartest" in a sentence?

The word "smartest" is used as a superlative adjective to describe the highest degree of intelligence or cleverness. For example, "He is the "smartest" person I know."

What is a synonym for "smartest"?

Synonyms for "smartest" include "most intelligent", "brightest", and "most clever". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "smartest"?

It's appropriate to use "smartest" when you want to emphasize the superlative degree of intelligence or cleverness. However, ensure it's based on objective criteria or measurable results rather than subjective opinion.

Which is correct, "smartest" or "most smart"?

"Smartest" is the correct superlative form of "smart". While "most smart" is grammatically understandable, it's not idiomatic and sounds awkward. Always use "smartest" for the superlative.