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Ultimatum

2 stages from Medieval Latin to English.

Today it means a final demand, with threatened consequences if refused

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

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