Utmost Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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utmost

[หˆสŒtยทmoสŠst ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'utmost'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.