Optimum — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈäp-tə-məm/ op·ti·mum

Meaning & Definition of Optimum

Optimum (noun)

  1. the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end; especially, the most favorable condition for the growth and reproduction of an organism
  2. greatest degree attained or attainable under implied or specified conditions

Optimum (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in optimal, exceptional

    similar: A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional, exquisite, fabulous, fantastic, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, marvelous, matchless, maximum, nifty, number one, optimal, outstanding, par excellence, peerless, preeminent, prime, sensational, special, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supreme, swell, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, unmatched, unparalleled, unsurpassed
    opposite: common, fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-class, second-rate, so-so, acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent, OK, reasonable, satisfactory, sufficient, sufficing, tolerable, moderate, modest

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Optimum

The most common words with a similar meaning to Optimum:

A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional, exquisite, fabulous, fantastic, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, marvelous, matchless, maximum, nifty, number one, optimal, outstanding, par excellence, peerless, preeminent, prime, sensational, special, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supreme, swell, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, unmatched

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Optimum

Words with the opposite meaning of Optimum:

common, fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-class, second-rate, so-so, acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent, OK, reasonable, satisfactory, sufficient, sufficing, tolerable, moderate, modest

Word Forms of Optimum

Inflections: optima, optimums

Derived words: optimum (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Optimum

borrowed from Latin, from neuter of optimus (earlier optumus) "best," probably originally "foremost, headmost," from ob "toward, in front of" + -tumus, -timus, superlative suffix (going back to Indo-European *-tm̥mos) ob-

First known use: 1848

Words & Phrases Containing Optimum

suboptimum

Frequently Asked Questions about Optimum

What does "Optimum" mean?

"Optimum" means the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end; especially, the most favorable condition for the growth and reproduction of an organism. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: the amount or degree of something that is most favorable to some end; especially, the most favorable condition for the growth and reproduction of an organism.

What is another word for "Optimum"?

Other words for "Optimum" include A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional and exquisite. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Optimum" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Optimum"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Optimum". Common alternatives include A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional, exquisite, fabulous and fantastic.

What is the opposite of "Optimum"?

Antonyms of "Optimum" include common, fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary and passable.

Is "Optimum" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Optimum" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Optimum"?

"Optimum" is pronounced /ˈäp-tə-məm/ and divided into syllables as op·ti·mum.

What is the origin of the word "Optimum"?

"Optimum" comes from borrowed from Latin, from neuter of optimus (earlier optumus) "best," probably originally "foremost, headmost," from ob "toward, in front of" + -tumus, -timus, superlative suffix (going back to Indo-European *-tm̥mos) ob-. First known use: 1848.

What is another word for "Optimum" meaning "as in optimal, exceptional"?

When "Optimum" (adjective) means as in optimal, exceptional, synonyms include A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished and excellent. Opposites in this sense include common, fair, indifferent and mediocre.