Etymology Map
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Ultimate

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means being the best or most extreme; final

Where does the word "ultimate" come from? It comes from Latin ultimus, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1650s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
ultimus
Latin · ancient
"last"
superlative of 'ulter', beyond
2
Stage 2 of 3
ultimatus
Medieval Latin · medieval
"final"
completed, brought to an end
3
Stage 3 of 3
ultimate
English · 1650s
"last"
'ultimate frisbee' dates from the 1960s
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Read the full story

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.