What is ultimate? Pronunciation and usage in English

ultimate means . Learn how to pronounce and use ultimate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ultimate

ultimateadjective

/ˈʌltɪmət/
Definition & pronunciation of ultimate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ultimate." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈʌl.tɪ.meɪ/ (pronounced: UL-tih-may)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈʌl (UL): This is a short, almost clipped "uh" sound, like the "uh" in "but." It's a quick, subtle sound.
  • tɪ (tih): This is the “ti” sound, like in “tin” or “time.” It's a short, quick “t” followed by a short “ih” sound.
  • meɪ (may): This is the "may" sound, like in "mayonnaise." It's a longer, drawn-out vowel sound.

Here's a more detailed explanation and some tips:

  • Stress: The stress is on the last syllable – “may.” This is what makes it "ultimate."
  • The "u" is silent: Don’t say "you" when you pronounce it. It's a vowel sound that's absorbed by the "l" before it.
  • Don’t overemphasize: It shouldn’t feel forced or overly dramatic. Keep the syllables relatively even in length.

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce ultimate" into Google and you'll find audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/ultimate/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce ultimate" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Do you have a particular accent you're trying to match (e.g., American English, British English)?

Usage and examples with the word ultimate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ultimate" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As an Adjective – Meaning “Most Extreme or Final”

  • Most Common Usage: This is the most frequent way to use “ultimate.” It describes something that is the very best, final, or most important.

    • Example: “This is the ultimate test of his courage.” (It’s the most challenging and decisive test.)
    • Example: “She’s looking for the ultimate vacation destination.” (She wants the best possible vacation.)
    • Example: “He’s an ultimate fan of the band.” (He's extremely devoted.)
    • Example: "The ultimate goal is to win the championship." (The final and most important aim.)

2. As a Noun – Meaning “Final Outcome or Result”

  • Focus on the Result: Here, "ultimate" refers to the end result or consequence of something.

    • Example: "The ultimate outcome of the negotiations was a peace treaty." (The final result – the treaty.)
    • Example: "His ultimate ambition is to become president." (His final dream/goal.)
    • Example: “The ultimate responsibility for the accident lies with the driver.” (The final accountability.)

3. As an Adjective - (Less Common) - Meaning “Most Important” (Often Used in Phrases)

  • Often paired with other words: This usage is less common, but you’ll see it in phrases.

    • “Ultimate priority”: (The most important thing to do.)
    • “Ultimate source”: (The most reliable or original source.)
    • “Ultimate authority”: (The highest level of power or control.)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Intensity: “Ultimate” is a strong word. Don’t overuse it. It’s best reserved for situations where you truly want to emphasize the highest level or the final conclusion.

  • Alternatives: Sometimes, you can replace "ultimate" with words like "final," "most," "absolute," "supreme," or "best" to avoid sounding repetitive. However, "ultimate" often carries a slightly more dramatic or enthusiastic tone.

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “ultimate” is usually clear from the context of the sentence.

Let's test your understanding:

Fill in the blanks with "ultimate" or a suitable alternative:

  1. "The __________ goal of the project is to increase sales by 20%."
  2. “She prepared the __________ version of her presentation.”
  3. “The __________ consequence of ignoring the warning signs was a serious injury.”

Answers:

  1. ultimate
  2. ultimate
  3. ultimate

Do you want me to give you some more examples, or perhaps practice using "ultimate" in a sentence about a specific topic (like sports, movies, or travel)?

Synonyms for the word ultimate

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