Brainier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting superior intelligence or mental capacity compared to others
2. Demonstrating a greater level of cognitive ability or knowledge than one's peers
3. Having a higher degree of intelligence or mental sharpness relative to others

Etymology: "Brainier" is simply the comparative of "brainy," so it is the form you use when comparing two things or people on intelligence. The adjective "brainy" comes from Middle English "brayny," formed by adding the suffix "-y" to "brain." That suffix, which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "having the qualities of" or "full of" the noun, is the same one found in words like "hairy" and "milky." The comparative follows the regular pattern for short adjectives ending in a consonant after a single vowel, so the "y" becomes "i" before "-er." That gives "brainier," and the superlative is "brainiest."

Synonyms: smarter, intelligent, clever, bright, sharp

Antonyms: dumber, stupid, ignorant, foolish, simple