runnier

Runnier is the comparative form of the adjective runny. It describes a liquid or semi-liquid that flows more readily than another, indicating lower viscosity or a thinner consistency. It is used to compare two substances, such as sauces, gravies, soups, or other fluids.

In medical or everyday contexts, runny can describe nasal discharge, and runnier describes a discharge that is more abundant or thinner than another. The term is also applicable to non-food liquids, such as paints or syrups, when discussing relative thinness or fluidity.

Formation and usage notes: the word runny derives from run with the common adjective suffix -y, and the comparative is formed by dropping the final y and adding -ier, yielding runnier. In more formal writing, some speakers may opt for “more runny,” but runnier is widely accepted in standard English and understood across varieties of English.

Examples: The sauce is runnier than it was yesterday. The gravy becomes runnier after reheating. The paint in warm temperatures is runnier than when cold. When describing nasal symptoms, one might say, “Her nose is runnier today than yesterday.”

See also runny, viscosity, liquid.