Word
tallest
US/ˈtɔɫɪst/
UK/tˈɔːləst/
Definition
adj. the person or thing that has the most height compared to all others in a group.
adj. the superlative form of 'tall'; indicates the maximum vertical extent within a specific set.
Examples
“He is the tallest student in our class.”
“The architect designed the tallest skyscraper in the city to serve as a landmark for miles around.”
“While several peaks in the range are impressive, this mountain is the tallest, reaching an elevation that remains snow-capped even during the height of summer.”
Examples
simple
“He is the tallest student in our class.”
contextual
“The architect designed the tallest skyscraper in the city to serve as a landmark for miles around.”
complex
“While several peaks in the range are impressive, this mountain is the tallest, reaching an elevation that remains snow-capped even during the height of summer.”
Usage
Superlative form; almost always preceded by the definite article 'the'.
Pitfall
He is the most tallest boy.
He is the tallest boy.
One-syllable adjectives form the superlative by adding '-est'; using 'most' as well is a double superlative error.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/tallest