Definition, synonyms and related words
superlative form of short: most short; Least in stature, length or height.
"The shortest person in our class can easily reach the bottom shelf without a ladder."
In plain English: Shortest means having less length than anything else around it.
"She took the shortest path to work to avoid traffic."
Usage: Use "shortest" to compare exactly three items within a specific group, whereas "less" compares two. Avoid using it as an intensifier for non-physical attributes like patience unless the context clearly implies duration of time.