Utmost: meaning, definitions and examples

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utmost

 

[ˈʌt·moʊst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in importance

Of the greatest or highest degree, quantity, or the like; greatest; highest.

Synonyms

greatest, highest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
utmost

Used again here but unnecessary as it's already included above, which might have been a duplication error. Refer to the earlier entry for details.

greatest

Typically used to describe something that is the best, most significant, or most important among others, often in a positive manner.

  • He is the greatest musician of our time
  • Winning the championship was her greatest achievement
highest

Used to denote the top level or the most elevated status, often in a hierarchical or rating system.

  • She received the highest honor at the awards ceremony
  • The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest

Examples of usage

  • We must make utmost efforts to achieve our goals.
  • She showed the utmost kindness to everyone she met.
Context #2 | Adverb

to the greatest degree

To the greatest degree; completely or absolutely.

Synonyms

absolutely, completely, entirely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
utmost

Used to express the highest degree of importance or priority. Often used in formal or serious contexts.

  • It is of utmost importance that we finish this project by Friday.
  • His safety is our utmost priority.
completely

Used to indicate totality or the full extent of something. Can be used in most situations, both formal and informal.

  • The room was completely silent when he entered.
  • They completely renovated the old house.
absolutely

Used to emphasize something being entirely true or a strong affirmation. Applicable in both casual and formal conversations.

  • I absolutely agree with your point.
  • She was absolutely certain she saw him at the party.
entirely

Emphasizes the whole or total extent of a situation or state. Often used in formal writing and speech.

  • The decision was entirely his to make.
  • She was entirely focused on her work.

Examples of usage

  • She was utmost relieved to hear the good news.
  • He spent the utmost care in preparing the meal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English term 'utmest', which means 'farthest or most remote'.
  • It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*udma', which also relates to distance and extent.
  • In earlier uses, it was often paired with other words to express completeness or totality.

Literature

  • Various poets and writers have used 'utmost' to convey deep emotions or the greatest challenges.
  • In Shakespeare's works, you'll find the term used to describe extreme efforts or feelings, enhancing the drama.
  • Classic literature often employs 'utmost' to emphasize the limits of human experience and endeavor.

Psychology

  • 'Utmost' can denote a person's peak performance level, often used in discussions about motivation and achievement.
  • In positive psychology, striving for one's utmost can be linked to personal fulfillment and self-actualization.
  • People often gauge their satisfaction based on whether they feel they've done their utmost in various aspects of life.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers debate the concept of 'utmost good', which refers to the highest moral standard one can achieve.
  • In ethical discussions, the term is used to discuss ideal actions and intentions that could serve humanity best.
  • The term invites reflection on what it means to give your utmost in different areas of life, such as love, work, and creativity.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'utmost' appears in song lyrics, often representing themes of love, effort, or longing.
  • In films, characters may express their utmost love or sacrifice, which resonates deeply with audiences.
  • Popular motivational speakers often emphasize doing your utmost as a route to success and fulfillment.

Translations

Translations of the word "utmost" in other languages:

🇵🇹 máximo

🇮🇳 अधिकतम

🇩🇪 äußerst

🇮🇩 paling

🇺🇦 максимальний

🇵🇱 najwyższy

🇯🇵 最大限

🇫🇷 le plus grand

🇪🇸 máximo

🇹🇷 en yüksek

🇰🇷 최대한

🇸🇦 أقصى

🇨🇿 nejvyšší

🇸🇰 najvyšší

🇨🇳 最大

🇸🇮 največji

🇮🇸 mesta

🇰🇿 ең көп

🇬🇪 უმაღლესი

🇦🇿 ən yüksək

🇲🇽 máximo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,619, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.