optimal

[ op-tuh-muhl ]

/ ˈɒp tə məl /

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adjective

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of optimal

First recorded in 1885–90; optim(um) + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM optimal

op·ti·mal·ly, adverbsu·per·op·ti·mal, adjective

Words nearby optimal

optician, opticist, optic nerve, optics, optic thalamus, optimal, optimally, optime, optimism, optimist, optimistic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use optimal in a sentence

There is no one chair that fits all—so find one that gives you the ability to make the tweaks you’ll need for optimal comfort.
Best desk chair for any home office|PopSci Commerce Team|February 11, 2021|Popular-Science
It also features an automatic shut-off after two hours for optimal safety.
Best heated throw blanket: Bundle up with these electric blankets|PopSci Commerce Team|February 11, 2021|Popular-Science
We feel strongly that we will go by the science, which dictated for us the optimal way to get 94% to 95% response.
Can AstraZeneca's Vaccine Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Virus?|Alice Park|February 4, 2021|Time
The key is to remember that the minimum dose for health and the optimal dose for performance are two separate questions.
The Data Behind a Once-a-Week Strength Routine|Alex Hutchinson|February 2, 2021|Outside Online

In this interview, he explains the optimal ways to ensure maximum airflow inside a car.
How to reduce the risk of covid-19 airborne transmission inside a car||January 31, 2021|Washington Post
If one really wants to go for optimal health the answer is the more the better.
Running 15 Miles a Week Could Slash Alzheimer’s Risk|DailyBurn|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The choice of Kline was widely mocked by the punditocracy as less than optimal.
Bill Maher Wants You to Meet—and Beat—Republican John Kline|Eleanor Clift|September 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The optimal intervals will ultimately depend on your schedule.
Repetition Doesn’t Work: Better Ways to Train Your Memory|Gregory Ferenstein|July 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And the long-term trend of growth—unsatisfying, sub-par, sub-optimal, and insufficient growth—is still intact.
The U.S. Economy Had a Hiccup, Not a Heart Attack, This Year|Daniel Gross|May 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A precautionary move aimed at perfecting how much more the Banzi will need to take in order to reach an optimal high.
Hallucinating Away a Heroin Addiction|Abby Haglage|May 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Brain also has an optimal operation speed, a definite rhythm in which it works best.
The Brain|Alexander Blade
Several wide tables have been optimised for wide (browser) windows and may not look optimal in narrow windows or other formats.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
Here most of the species recorded actually find optimal conditions in an adjacent habitat.
Mammals of the San Gabriel Mountains of California|Terry A. Vaughan
They have no idea what should the appropriate or optimal equilibrium price level be.
After the Rain|Sam Vaknin
Alan went back to the map, realigning the laptop for optimal reception again.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town|Cory Doctorow

British Dictionary definitions for optimal

optimal

/ (ˈɒptɪməl) /

adjective

another word for optimum (def. 2)

Derived forms of optimal

optimality, nounoptimally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

optimal

COMPARE MEANINGS

Origin of optimal

OTHER WORDS FROM optimal

Words nearby optimal

Words related to optimal

How to use optimal in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for optimal

Derived forms of optimal