Optimums

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The best or most favorable condition or level for achieving a desired outcome in a specific situation
2. The ideal or most advantageous point of efficiency or effectiveness in a particular context
3. A state or quality that yields the maximum possible benefit or result from a given set of circumstances

Etymology: "Optimums" is simply the plural of "optimum," so the history belongs to the singular. "Optimum" comes from New Latin, where it was used as the neuter form of Latin "optimus," meaning "best" or "very good." Latin "optimus" is the superlative of "bonus," and its ancient roots are usually traced to either "ops," meaning "work" or "power," or "omnis," meaning "all." The English noun took on its modern sense of the point of greatest benefit, where conditions combine to give the best outcome. Its plural is "optima," the Latin form, though "optimums" is common in English usage.

Synonyms: best, ideal, maximum, peak, most favorable

Antonyms: minimum, worst, least