The superlative of 'vague' is vaguest.
When describing something that is unclear, imprecise, or indistinct to the highest degree, the adjective "vaguest" is used. It indicates that among a group of three or more items, one particular item possesses the quality of vagueness more than any other.
Understanding Superlative Adjectives
Superlative adjectives are a fundamental part of English grammar, used to compare three or more nouns and indicate which one has the most or least of a particular quality. They typically answer the question "which is the most...?" or "which is the least...?"
How Superlatives are Formed
For adjectives like "vague," which are typically one or two syllables and end in a silent 'e', the superlative form is usually created by adding the suffix -st.
- Positive Degree: Describes a noun without comparison (e.g., vague)
- Comparative Degree: Compares two nouns (e.g., vaguer)
- Superlative Degree: Compares three or more nouns, indicating the highest or lowest degree (e.g., vaguest)
Many common adjectives follow this pattern. For example:
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| Large | Larger | Largest |
| Wise | Wiser | Wisest |
| Safe | Safer | Safest |
| Vague | Vaguer | Vaguest |
For longer adjectives (three or more syllables), the superlative is usually formed by preceding the adjective with "most" or "least" (e.g., "most beautiful," "least important"). However, for "vague," the simple addition of "-st" is correct.
Using "Vaguest" in Sentences
Understanding how to use "vaguest" correctly enhances clarity and precision in communication. Here are some examples:
- Example 1: "Out of all the explanations given, his was the vaguest, leaving us with more questions than answers."
- Example 2: "The old map offered only the vaguest outline of the hidden treasure's location."
- Example 3: "When asked about her plans for the weekend, she gave the vaguest response, hinting at nothing specific."
Using "vaguest" helps to pinpoint the extreme end of the spectrum of unclarity or imprecision, making it an essential word for precise descriptions.
For further information on superlative adjectives, you can consult reputable grammar resources such as Collins Dictionary.
