schlechthin
Translation
par excellence, quintessential, per se, simply
Examples
Er ist der Experte schlechthin.
He is the expert par excellence.
Das ist die Frage schlechthin für unsere Zeit.
That is the quintessential question for our time.
Grammar Patterns
((Nomen)) schlechthin - the (noun) par excellence. Er ist der Experte schlechthin.
Similar Words
Synonyms: par excellence, downright, simply
Etymology
From 'schlecht' (in its old meaning 'simple, plain') + 'hin' (thither, hence). The combination means 'simply' or 'absolutely'.
Memory Tips
It's a postpositive adverb, meaning it comes after the noun it modifies to add strong emphasis, like 'the ultimate example of'.