What does shortest mean?
Shortest is the superlative form of short and means having the least length, duration, distance, or time. It is used to compare people, objects, routes, periods, or durations: the shortest path may save time, while the shortest dress may be easier to carry. In formal writing, the word can also mean the most concise or brief, as in a summary that gives the shortest possible account. When used as an adverb, shortest usually means in the least time or by the most direct route: She replied shortest of all after everyone else had spoken. The noun use, as in the shortest of the competitors, is possible but much less common than the adjective and adverb uses. Shortest is especially useful when making precise comparisons involving length, duration, distance, or brevity.
Having the least length, duration, distance, or time; most brief or concise.
"They followed the shortest path through the woods."
Usually used when comparing two or more people, things, routes, or periods.
In the shortest time or by the shortest route.
"He finished shortest in the race."
Common with verbs such as took, finished, and replied; the precise meaning depends on context.
A person or thing that is the shortest in a group or comparison.
"The shortest of the three applicants was accepted."
This noun use is relatively uncommon and often occurs with 'the.'
The plural is rare and is chiefly encountered when the word is used as a noun for the shortest person or thing in a group.
"The record for the tournament's shortest is held by a three-year-old."
The shortest day of the year is not the day with the least daylight everywhere on Earth: polar regions can experience 24 hours of darkness.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of shortest
Shortest derives from short, which comes from Old English scort, meaning 'short in length' and 'brief in time.' The modern form developed through Middle English, and the suffix -est forms its superlative. Related English words include shorten, shortage, and shortly, all of which continue the same basic sense of limited length, duration, or time.
How shortest is actually used
As an adjective, shortest is the superlative of short and normally requires a comparison or a definite group. As an adverb, it commonly modifies a verb such as took, finished, or replied. The noun use is uncommon outside constructions such as 'the shortest of the finalists.'
Easily confused with shortest
Short is the base adjective, while shortest is its superlative form, meaning 'shortest of all in a group or comparison.'