utmost
Translation
utmost, greatest, highest
Examples
This is a matter of the utmost importance.
This is a matter of the utmost importance.
He treated the guests with the utmost respect.
He treated the guests with the utmost respect.
Grammar Patterns
the utmost ((noun)) the greatest or highest possible (noun) This is a matter of the utmost importance.
Similar Words
Synonyms: greatest, highest, maximum; Antonyms: least, minimum
Etymology
From Old English 'ūtemest', the superlative of 'ūt' (out), meaning 'outermost'. This developed into the sense of 'most extreme'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'out-most'. Something that is the furthest out is at the extreme limit, hence 'greatest' or 'maximum'.