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. He is the expert schlechthin.
Similar Words
Synonyms: par excellence, quintessential, simply
Etymology
Composed of 'schlecht' (in its archaic sense of 'simple') and 'hin' (thither). It evolved to mean 'simply' or 'per se'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as a way to say 'the one and only' or 'the epitome of'. It always follows the noun it emphasizes.