From Middle English utmost, an alteration of utmoste and outmost, from Old English ūtmest, meaning outermost. The degree sense developed by the early 1300s.
From Middle English utmost, an alteration of utmoste and outmost, from Old English ūtmest, meaning outermost. The degree sense developed by the early 1300s.
What does utmost mean?
Utmost means the greatest possible degree, amount, importance, or effort.
Is utmost an adjective or a noun?
Utmost is both. It is an adjective in utmost care and a noun in do your utmost.
What is the difference between utmost and upmost?
Utmost concerns the greatest degree or amount. Upmost is rare and means highest in position, where uppermost is usually clearer.
Is utmost importance correct?
Yes. Utmost importance means the greatest importance, and upmost importance is normally a mistake.
What does do your utmost mean?
Do your utmost means to make the best or strongest effort possible.
Can utmost mean farthest?
Yes. Utmost can mean farthest out or most distant, as in the utmost edge, though this use is formal.
Where does utmost come from?
Utmost comes from Old English ūtmest, built from an old word for out and a superlative ending.