ultra
Ultra (adj) means Extreme; going far beyond what is normal or moderate. Example: “The policy was criticized by even some ultra conservatives as too extreme.”
How to Use Ultra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExtreme, or (in sport) a fiercely devoted, organized group of fans.
Word Forms
more ultra comparative, ultras plural, most ultra superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The policy was criticized by even some _____ conservatives as too extreme.
Etymology
From Latin "ultra", meaning "beyond".
Synonyms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ultra” mean?
The word “ultra” means extreme; going far beyond what is normal or moderate. In plain terms, extreme, or (in sport) a fiercely devoted, organized group of fans.
How do you pronounce “ultra”?
“Ultra” is pronounced UHLT-ruh (/ˈʌltɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “ultra” in a sentence?
Here is “ultra” used in a sentence: “The policy was criticized by even some ultra conservatives as too extreme.”
What part of speech is “ultra”?
Depending on how it is used, “ultra” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “ultra” come from?
The word “ultra” comes from Latin. From Latin "ultra", meaning "beyond".
Is “ultra” a common word?
“Ultra” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ultra” have?
“Ultra” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extreme; going far beyond what is normal or moderate.
What is the difference between "ultra" and "extreme"?
Both describe something that goes far beyond what is normal or moderate, but "extreme" is a standard adjective, while "ultra" feels more emphatic and often attaches to another word as a prefix, as in ultra-modern or ultra-thin. As a standalone adjective, "ultra" tends to sound more informal.
When is "ultra" used as a noun rather than an adjective?
As a noun, an "ultra" is a highly devoted, often organised sports fan, especially in football, known for elaborate displays, chanting, and passionate support. This meaning is most common in European football culture.
Can "ultra" be used as a prefix as well as a separate word?
Yes. As a prefix, "ultra" joins another word to mean "beyond" or "excessively," as in ultraviolet or ultra-light. As a standalone adjective it means extreme or going far beyond the moderate.
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