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REFERENCE

ultimate

adj. · n.
US //ˈəɫtəmət// UK //ˈʌltɪmət// ul·ti·mate
  1. 1 best or most extreme (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the best, greatest, or most extreme example of something.

    representing the maximum possible degree or the finest example of a particular quality.

    Example

    For many climbers, reaching the top of Mount Everest is the ultimate challenge.

    Example

    The luxury sedan was marketed as the ultimate driving machine, combining unparalleled comfort with cutting-edge performance technology.
  2. 2 final in a series (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the last or final part of a long process or series of events.

    occurring at the end of a process, series, or progression; final.

    Example

    The ultimate goal of the project is to provide clean water to the whole village.

    Example

    While the immediate effects were positive, the ultimate consequences of the policy change would not be understood for several decades.
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  1. 3 fundamental (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    the most basic or important part of something that cannot be broken down further.

    representing the most fundamental or elemental constituent of a system or concept.

    Example

    Scientists are searching for the ultimate building blocks of the universe.

    Example

    The philosopher argued that the ultimate reality of the world is far more complex than our senses suggest.
  2. 4 the best example (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the best or most perfect example of something.

    the finest or most extreme example of a particular class or type.

    Example

    This hotel is the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

    Example

    To many critics, this symphony represents the ultimate in Romantic musical expression.
  3. 5 the sport (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    a team sport played with a flying disc (Frisbee).

    a non-contact team sport played with a flying disc, where points are scored by passing to a teammate in the opposing end zone.

    Example

    We meet at the park every Sunday afternoon to play ultimate.

    Example

    Ultimate has gained significant popularity on university campuses due to its emphasis on fair play and self-refereeing.

    Usage

    Usually used as an uncountable noun without an article.
    • ultimate frisbee
Origin

* From Medieval Latin ultimātus (“furthest, last”), perfect passive participle of ultimō (“to come to an end”) (see -ate (1,2 and 3)), from ultimus (“last, final”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix). See ultra-. * (ultimate frisbee): The sport was renamed to avoid the use of the Frisbee trademark.

Word family

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