ENGLISH
REFERENCE

optimal

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɑptəməɫ// UK //ˈɒptɪməl// op·ti·mal

adj. the best or most effective possible way to do something. You use this to describe a choice that gives the perfect result for a specific situation.

adj. representing the best or most favourable degree, quantity, or condition for a particular outcome. Often used in technical or economic contexts to describe peak efficiency.


SIMPLE

The optimal temperature for this tea is eighty degrees.

CONTEXTUAL

To achieve optimal results, you should follow the training program exactly as it is written.

COMPLEX

Finding the optimal balance between speed and security remains the primary challenge for developers working on decentralized financial protocols.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin optimus + -al.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; it is generally considered non-gradable, as something is either the best possible or it is not.

Pitfall

the most optimal solutionthe optimal solutionOptimal already means 'the best possible,' so adding 'most' is redundant.

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