Smartest

Smartest is the superlative form of the English adjective smart. It is used to indicate the highest degree of smartness within a defined group or context, typically referring to intelligence or cleverness. For example, in a classroom, “the smartest student” identifies the person perceived as having the greatest ability to understand and solve problems. The term can also describe other senses of smart, such as practicality, quick-wittedness, or stylishness, though the latter is less common when the exact superlative sense is intended.

Grammar and formation: Smart is a one-syllable adjective, so its comparative and superlative forms are formed with the suffixes -er and -est, yielding smarter and smartest. In most contexts, the definite article or a determiner precedes the superlative, as in “the smartest device in the lineup.” The form most smart is rarely used in natural speech; the standard construction is smarter or smartest.

Usage and nuances: The word carries subjective evaluation and depends on the speaker’s criteria. In everyday language, “smartest” signals an evaluative judgment within a specific group rather than an absolute measure of intelligence. In formal writing, more precise descriptors—such as most intelligent, most knowledgeable, or most capable—may convey nuance more clearly. The term can also function descriptively in contexts such as technology, where “the smartest gadget” suggests advanced features or integration.

See also: smart, smarter, smartness, intelligence, smart device.