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Where does the word "ultimate" come from? It comes from Latin ultimus, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1650s).
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Where does the word "ultimate" come from? It comes from Latin ultimus, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1650s).
Ultimate’s story begins in Latin: ultimus meant “last.” Superlative of 'ulter', beyond. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as ultimatus. Completed, brought to an end. It reached English by 1650s as ultimate. 'ultimate frisbee' dates from the 1960s. Today, ultimate means being the best or most extreme; final.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ultimus "last", superlative of 'ulter', beyond.
- Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval ultimatus "final", completed, brought to an end.
- Stage 3 · English · 1650s ultimate "last", 'ultimate frisbee' dates from the 1960s.