Ultimate

Definition

Ultimate typically refers to the best achievable or imaginable of its kind, or being the last in a series, process, or progression.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʌltɪmɪt/
• Respelling: UL-tuh-mit (with "UL" as in "pull," "tuh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "mit" as in "mit")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʌltɪmət/
• Respelling: UL-tuh-mit (similar to American English, with "UL" as in "pull," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "mit" like in "mit")

In both dialects, "ultimate" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "UL." The word starts with "UL," similar to the 'ul' in "pull," followed by "tuh," which is a schwa sound, and ends with "mit," as in "mit." The pronunciation is quite similar between American and British English.

Etymology

The word "ultimate" is derived from the Latin word "ultimatus", which is the past participle of "ultimare", meaning to come to an end. Over time, its usage expanded to mean "final" or "last", and then evolved to indicate "the greatest".

Derivatives

• Ultimately
• Ultimatum
• Ultimateness
• Ultima
• Ultimacy

Synonyms

• Paramount
• Pinnacle
• Apogee

Antonyms

• Initial
• Basic
• Primary

Usage

• "The ultimate goal of the project is to improve efficiency."
• "For many, the Olympic gold medal is the ultimate achievement in sports."

Related Terms

• Supreme
• Zenith
• Terminal
• Culmination
• Peak

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Final or Last in a Process: Being the last or concluding element of a series.
• Example: The ultimate chapter of the book provided closure to the story.

• Greatest Possible: Representing the best or most extreme example of its kind.
• Example: The new sports car is the ultimate in luxury and performance.

• Fundamental: Basic; relating to the most fundamental aspects of something.
• Example: Understanding the ultimate causes of the crisis is essential for prevention.

Noun

• The Best Achievable or Imaginable: The best or most extreme of its kind.
• Example: The tropical island was seen as the ultimate in holiday destinations.

• Final Point or Result: The final or fundamental fact or principle.
• Example: The ultimate of the series is what defines its success.