slenderest

Slenderest is the superlative form of the adjective slender. It is used to describe something that possesses the greatest degree of slenderness, meaning the most thin or gracefully narrow in proportion among a group or context. While it can refer to physical dimensions, it is also used figuratively to describe things with an elegant or delicate appearance.

Usage notes: In modern, especially formal writing, many editors prefer the phrase the most slender or more slender rather than slenderest, particularly in scientific or technical contexts. Slenderest remains common in descriptive or literary prose and can convey a stronger, more picturesque sense of narrowness. Examples: “The slenderest reed trembled in the breeze.” “Among the models, she had the slenderest silhouette.”

Comparative forms: The usual comparative is slenderer, with the superlative forms slenderest or most slender. Some speakers also use more slender and most slender as alternatives to avoid potential awkwardness or ambiguity with slenderest in certain contexts.

Etymology: Slenderest derives from slender, which originates in Old English and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch slank and German schlank. The word reflects a long-standing lineage related to thinness and narrowness.

Related terms: slender (the base form), slenderness (the quality of being slender), and related adjectives describing proportion or build. In technical contexts, related terms include concepts like slenderness ratio, which measures how long and thin a structure or element is relative to its cross-section.

See also: slender, slenderness, gracile.