smallest

/smɔːl/ (bre, ipa) · [smˈɔləst] /smɑːl/ (ame, ipa) · [smˈɔləst] /ˈsmȯl How to pronounce small (audio)/ (ame, mw)

smallest — adjective

  • smallestpositive
  • more smallestcomparative
  • most smallestsuperlative

1. smaller than every other person or thing in the group, or lower than all the oth

1.形容詞A1
釋義

smaller than every other person or thing in the group, or lower than all the others in amount

例句

Tamas chose the smallest apple because he wanted a quick snack.

the smallest + noun for size comparison

Nia lives in the smallest house on our street.

同義詞
  • tiny

    often suggests very little size rather than simple comparison

  • little

    broader everyday word, but not always a superlative comparison

反義詞
  • largest

    opposite in size or amount

  • biggest

    common everyday opposite, especially in speech

文法句型

the smallest + noun

the smallest of + plural noun

用法筆記

Often used with of or in to show the group being compared.

2. used for something that is carried out with the least reach, money, or power in

2.形容詞B1
釋義

used for something that is carried out with the least reach, money, or power in a comparison

例句

Lakshmi ran the smallest branch, with only three people in her team.

smallest + organization noun for limited scale

Christopher started with the smallest budget, so he borrowed extra chairs.

同義詞
  • minimal

    more formal and often stresses a very low level

  • modest

    can suggest something is small but still acceptable

反義詞
  • largest

    opposite in overall scale

  • major

    often used for something with wider importance or reach

文法句型

the smallest + business or project noun

用法筆記

Usually describes a business, team, budget, or project rather than a physical object.

3. the least serious, least important, or easiest to deal with among several things

3.形容詞B1
釋義

the least serious, least important, or easiest to deal with among several things

例句

Jessica apologized for even the smallest mistake in the report.

smallest + problem noun for low importance

Kian ignored the smallest delay and kept driving to the airport.

同義詞
  • minor

    common choice for things that are not important or serious

  • slightest

    often used when even a very small amount is enough

反義詞
  • major

    used for something more important or serious

  • serious

    used when the problem or effect matters a lot

文法句型

the smallest + mistake or problem noun

用法筆記

Often appears before words like mistake, delay, change, or sign when even a slight thing matters.