to the nth degree

en
en
Change language
Translating...
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
हिन्दी
Hindi
/tə ðə ˌenθ dɪˈɡriː/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
As much or as far as possible.
Practice using to the nth degree in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The team planned the event to the nth degree.
  • Her patience was tested to the nth degree.
  • She checked every detail to the nth degree.
  • He analysed the proposal to the nth degree.
  • The design was refined to the nth degree.

Similar words

to the maximum
completely
to the utmost

Meanings

To the fullest extent

degree
informal
An emphatic expression for taking an action or quality to its furthest degree.

Examples

  • She checked every detail to the nth degree.
  • The design was refined to the nth degree.
  • He analysed the proposal to the nth degree.
  • The team planned the event to the nth degree.
  • Her patience was tested to the nth degree.

Similar words

to the utmost
to the maximum
completely

Etymology

The nth is an unspecified high number in mathematics, used here to suggest a farthest possible degree.

FAQ

What does to the nth degree mean?

To the nth degree means as much or as far as possible.

When is to the nth degree used?

Use it to emphasize how thoroughly something is done.

How does to the nth degree differ from to a great extent?

It is stronger than the neutral phrase to a great extent.

How is to the nth degree used in a sentence?

“She checked every detail to the nth degree” is an example.

Is to the nth degree formal?

It is an expressive idiom, not usually a formal measurement.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...