1

When we compare numbers of people, we can use the phrases:

  • "The highest/lowest number of people was"
  • "The biggest/smallest number of people was"
  • "The most/least people were"

That the word "lowest" is an antonym for the word "highest".

What is an antonym of the word "largest" when we compare numbers of people?

  • "The **largest/_________ number of people was"**


Is it the word "tiniest"? But number of usage times on google is quite low

Improve this question
3
  • 1
    To follow Ian, why do you feel that smallest doesn't fit?
    – Unrelated
    Commented Oct 22, 2018 at 16:10
  • I thought "smallest" was already with "biggest". Isn't there any other words? @Unrelated
    – hbtpoprock
    Commented Oct 22, 2018 at 16:27
  • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – MetaEd
    Commented Oct 24, 2018 at 17:49

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

This is slightly tricky. Same quantifiers can be used to describe different items. For example: 'largest' can refer to size and also number. In your question, we can write

The largest/smallest number of people was

Again, 'tiniest' cannot make any sense because we are talking about 'number' of people here.

Improve this answer
1
  • Best to avoid <pre> blocks in posts. They often cause horizontal scrollbars which chop off text, making the post very hard to read.
    – MetaEd
    Commented Oct 24, 2018 at 15:23
-3

The suggestions are about right. I believe Largest may not be the right descriptor of the number. A number would be greater than, or the greatest. This would correspond to another being less than, or the least.

Improve this answer
2
  • 3
    Numbers are very often described as being large or small, so I'm not sure what you mean by this.
    – David Richerby
    Commented Oct 22, 2018 at 18:11
  • 1
    Hi Elliot, welcome to English Language & Usage. Note that this site is a bit different from other Q&A sites: an answer is expected to be authoritative, detailed, and explain why it is correct - preferably by quoting a reference hyperlinked to the source. This helps differentiate an answer from an unsubstantiated opinion. You can edit your post to add this detail; for further guidance, see How to Answer. :-)
    – Chappo Hasn't Forgotten
    Commented Oct 22, 2018 at 21:42

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.