Fewest
/ˈfjuːɪst/
Definitions
The smallest number or amount of something.
/ˈfjuːɪst/
The smallest in number; the least.
She had the fewest problems of all.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a box of cookies, and your friend has even fewer. The box with the *fewest* cookies has the smallest amount. For example, 'Sarah ate the *fewest* pieces of pizza compared to everyone else.'
👶 For kids: It means the smallest amount. Like, 'I have the fewest toys.'
More Examples
The team with the fewest points wins the game.
Of all the applicants, he had the fewest qualifications.
The fewest people attended the matinee performance.
How It's Used
"The library has the fewest books of any on campus."
"The control group had the fewest errors."
From "few" + "-est" (superlative suffix). "Few" comes from Old English "fēa" meaning "not many" or "a small number."
Historically, "fewest" has always been the superlative of "few". Usage has remained consistent.
Memory tip
Think of a contest where the person with the fewest mistakes wins.
Word Origin
""not many", "small number""