ultimately

UK: ˈʌltɪmətli | US: ˈʌltɪmətli

Definition

  1. adv. in the end; finally

  2. adv. fundamentally; at the most basic level

Structure
ultimate <final>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "ultimately" derives from the Latin ultimatus (past participle of ultimare, meaning "to come to an end"), which itself comes from ultimus ("farthest, last"). The suffix -ly is an Old English adverbial marker, turning the adjective "ultimate" into an adverb. Over time, "ultimately" evolved to signify both temporal finality ("in the end") and conceptual fundamentality ("at the core").

Examples

  1. Ultimately, the decision rests with the committee.

  2. She believed that hard work would ultimately lead to success.

  3. The conflict was ultimately resolved through diplomacy.

  4. All matter is ultimately composed of atoms.

  5. His actions were ultimately self-destructive.