Definition of ultimate

The word "ultimate" is derived from the Latin word "ultimus," which means "farthest" or "last." In Latin, "ultimus" was used to indicate the end or conclusion of something. This sense was borrowed into Middle English as "ultimate," with the meaning of "furthest" or "highest in rank or degree." During the 15th century, the meaning of "ultimate" expanded to include the concept of "perfect" or "perfectly good," and by the 17th century, it had also come to mean "definitely certain" or " absolute." In modern English, "ultimate" is often used to describe something that is considered supreme, final, or most important. In everyday language, "ultimate" is often used to add a sense of magnitude or exclusivity to a description, such as "the ultimate pizza" or "the ultimate challenge."