browner

Browner is the comparative form of the English adjective brown. It is used to indicate a higher degree of brown coloration or shade relative to another object, state, or context. The term can describe color in materials such as fabric, wood, or baked goods; it can also describe complexion or tan in reference to skin or other surfaces where brown is a meaningful descriptor.

Etymology and grammar: Browner is formed by adding the standard comparative suffix -er to the monosyllabic adjective brown. While browner is common, some writers prefer the two-word phrase more brown for clarity in longer expressions. The corresponding superlative is brownest, or most brown in longer phrases.

Usage notes and examples: The word is versatile in descriptive writing. For example, "The browner crust on the bread indicates a longer bake," or "The browner shade of wood has darkened with age." In discussions of skin or tanning, one might refer to a "browner complexion" when noting a greater level of tan or melanin. In comparisons, use "browner than" to contrast two items; "the browniest" can describe the strongest degree of browning.

See also: brown, brownness, color terminology, browning.