adjective
optimal
OP-tih-muhl
adjective
1
The best possible under the circumstances; most favorable given the constraints.
"Eight hours is considered the optimal amount of sleep for most adults."
"They adjusted the settings to find the optimal balance between speed and accuracy."
How to Use Optimal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe best choice or condition available given the limits you're working within.
Common mistake
Since "optimal" already means "the best," avoid saying "more optimal" or "most optimal."
Common pairings
optimal conditions
optimal solution
optimal performance
Word Forms
optimals plural
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Eight hours is considered the _____ amount of sleep for most adults.
Etymology
From Latin optimus, "best," the superlative of bonus, "good."