Utmost: meaning, definitions and examples

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utmost

 

[ ˈʌt·moʊst ]

Adjective / Adverb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'utmost' originated from the Middle English word 'utemest', which combines 'ut' (out) and 'mest' (most). Over time, it evolved to 'utmost' in Modern English. The concept of 'utmost' emphasizes the extreme or highest level of something, highlighting its significance and importance.

See also: almost, most, mostly.

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.