What does shallower mean?
Shallower is the comparative form of the adjective shallow and can also serve as the comparative adverb. It describes something that has less depth than something else: a shallower lake, pool, basin, or stretch of water. Figuratively, it can indicate reduced seriousness or intellectual depth, as in a shallower discussion or a shallower reading of a text. The word is useful when making comparisons, whether the comparison is spatial or metaphorical. Because shallow already contains the idea of insufficient depth, shallower should normally be used when there is an explicit or implied comparison, such as “the water is shallower here” or “this interpretation is shallower.” In standard British and American English, the pronunciation is /ˈʃælə(r)/.
Less deep than something else.
"The lake has a shallower area near the northern shore."
Often used physically, but also figuratively for matters that are less profound or serious.
In a less deep manner, or to a greater degree of superficiality.
"The boat moved more slowly as the water grew shallower."
The adverb form is especially common with descriptions of water and depth.
Shallower captures the moment when depth gives way to something easier to cross, explore, or understand.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shallower come from?
Shallower is formed by adding the comparative suffix -er to shallow, an English adjective meaning not deep. The older English forms developed from Middle English schalowe, whose precise ultimate origin is uncertain. The related forms shallowness and shallowly preserve the same root and have long been used in English.
Related word forms
How shallower is actually used
Shallower is standard in British and American English. It can describe physical depth or, figuratively, intellectual depth, seriousness, or emotional intensity.
Easily confused with shallower
Shallow is the base adjective meaning not deep, while shallower is its comparative form, meaning less deep than something else.