Merest
/ˈmɪrɪst/
adjectiveC2superlative form (used to show the smallest or least amount)
Definition
Merest is the superlative form of "mere," which means "only" or "just." It is used to show that something is the smallest, simplest, or least significant example of something. People use it to stress how little or unimportant something is in a strong way.
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See It in Action
The smallest or least amount of something
- •She didn’t show the merest sign of fear during the storm.
- •I felt the merest touch of cold wind on my face.
- •He didn’t have the merest idea how to solve the problem.
Used to emphasize how unimportant or insignificant something is
- •The merest mistake can cause big problems.
- •Don’t ignore the merest detail; it might be important.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "merest" like "small" or "little," but it means the absolute smallest or tiniest amount you can imagine.
- ✓Picture a tiny drop of water on a big table — that drop is the merest amount.
- ✓It feels like the moment you notice the tiniest change, almost invisible but still there.
- ✓Sounds like "MERE-ist" → imagine a small mirror ("mere") reflecting just a tiny light spot, the smallest light possible.
- ✓In stories or poems, "merest" is used to show something so small it almost does not matter, like the merest whisper or the merest hint.
- ✓NOT like "some" (which means an unknown or moderate amount), "merest" means the smallest possible amount.
- ✓NOT like "little" (which can mean small but not the smallest), "merest" is the smallest or least.
- ✓NOT like "mere" alone (which means just or only), "merest" adds the idea of being the smallest degree of that "mere."
Try Other Words
- •Slightest: the smallest amount or degree (Use when you want to say something is very small but still noticeable)
- •Minimal: the least possible amount (Use in formal or technical contexts)
- •Barest: the smallest or least amount, often used to emphasize how little (Use when you want to stress the very minimum)
- •Faintest: very small or weak (Use when talking about feelings, sounds, or signs)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "mere" (only, just) + suffix "-est" (superlative form, meaning the most or the smallest)
- •Etymology: "Mere" comes from Old English "mǣre," meaning pure or simple; "-est" is a common English ending to show the highest degree
- •Historical development: "Mere" has been used since early English to mean just or only; "merest" appeared later to express the smallest or least degree
- •Modern usage: Used mostly in formal or literary English to emphasize the smallest amount or degree of something, often to make a point stronger
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when the merest detail changed your understanding of something important?
•How does using a word like "merest" change the feeling or meaning of a sentence compared to just saying "small" or "little"?
Fill in the blanks
1.She didn’t show the merest ___ of surprise when she heard the news.
2.The merest ___ of sound made me wake up in the middle of the night.
3.He didn’t have the merest ___ about how to fix the broken machine.
4.Even the merest ___ can make a big difference in how the painting looks.
5.The teacher warned that the merest ___ in homework could lower your grade.
6.When you feel the merest ___ of doubt, it’s good to ask questions.
7.The merest ___ of light shone through the dark clouds before the rain started.