noun
optimum
OP-tih-muhm
noun
1
The most favorable point or amount achievable under a given set of conditions.
"Researchers are looking for the optimum dose that treats the illness with the fewest side effects."
adjective
1
Most favorable or advantageous.
"They planted the crop at the optimum time of year for maximum yield."
How to Use Optimum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ideal amount or point — the sweet spot — for a given situation.
Common mistake
"Optimum" is closely related to "optimal" but is more often used as a noun (the optimum) as well as an adjective.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
optima plural, optimums plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “optimum”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Researchers are looking for the _____ dose that treats the illness with the fewest side effects.
Etymology
From Latin optimum, the neuter form of optimus, "best."