ultimatum

Where does the word "ultimatum" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin ultimātus, and was adopted directly into English (1730s).

Ultimatum’s story begins in Medieval Latin: ultimātus meant “last, final.” 'final', from Latin 'ultimus', last. It reached English by 1730s as ultimatum. Taken from diplomatic Latin for the last terms offered before war. Today, ultimatum means a final demand, with threatened consequences if refused.

1. Stage 1 · Medieval Latin · medieval ultimātus "last, final", 'final', from Latin 'ultimus', last.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1730s ultimatum "final demand", taken from diplomatic Latin for the last terms offered before war.