What does blindest mean?
Blindest is the standard superlative of blind, an adjective meaning unable to see. It identifies the person or thing with the greatest degree of blindness in a stated group, so its meaning depends on context: it may describe someone with no vision, the member of a party whose sight is most impaired, or, figuratively, the person least able to perceive a fact or perspective. Typical expressions include “the blindest of us” and “blindest spot.” Literal uses describe sight, while figurative uses usually criticize insensitivity or limited understanding. Because it is explicitly a superlative, blindest is more precise than blinder, which normally means more blind or temporarily prevented from seeing. The word is common in formal and informal English in both British and American usage. When used figuratively, it can sound severe; literal descriptions of sight should likewise be handled respectfully. Overall, blindest is useful because it combines a precise grammatical comparison with the wider idea of failing to recognize what is plainly present.
adjectiveUnable to see, or metaphorically unable to recognize or understand something. As a superlative, it identifies the person or thing with the greatest degree of blindness in a stated group.
- Having no sight or the least ability to see among a stated group.
- So lacking in awareness or understanding as to fail to recognize something.
"He was the blindest of the volunteers and asked the sighted hikers to describe the trail."
"He was the blindest of the volunteers and asked the sighted hikers to describe the trail."
"The organization was the blindest to the risks of ignoring early warnings."
One suffix turns a simple condition into a ranking: add -est to blind, and the word asks who sees least of all.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does blindest come from?
Blindest was formed by adding the English superlative suffix -est to blind. Blind comes from Old English blind, which derives from Proto-Germanic *blindaz and ultimately from an Indo-European root associated with dimness or blurred vision. It has close cognates in Dutch blind, German blind, and Old Norse blindr.
Related word forms
How blindest is actually used
Blindest is the standard superlative of blind and normally requires a comparison or a stated group. It is common in formal and informal usage in both British and American English; figurative uses often imply severe insensitivity or lack of understanding.
Easily confused with blindest
Blindest is the superlative of blind, identifying the person or thing with the greatest degree of blindness, whereas blinded usually means temporarily unable to see or figuratively unaware of something.