adj C1 Advanced

tantamount

TAN-tuh-mownt

Tantamount (adj) means Equal in effect or seriousness to something else, even if not literally the same. Example: “Ignoring the warning was tantamount to admitting guilt.”

adj

Equal in effect or seriousness to something else, even if not literally the same.

"Ignoring the warning was tantamount to admitting guilt."

"His silence was tantamount to a confession."

How to use tantamount

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs good as; effectively the same as, even if not stated outright.

Memory tip

Always followed by "to", never "with" or "as".

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Common pairings

tantamount to treason tantamount to an admission

Word forms

more tantamount comparative, tantamounted past tense, tantamounts plural, tantamounts singular, most tantamount superlative

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Ignoring the warning was _____ to admitting guilt.

Etymology

Borrowed in the early 1600s, most likely from Italian tanto montare ("to amount to as much"), or from an Anglo-Norman phrase with the same meaning.

Origin: Italian · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 tantamount joined the language around 1600.

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Rhymes for tantamount

count mount amount account recount dismount discount viscount paramount

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Frequently asked questions

What does “tantamount” mean?

The word “tantamount” means equal in effect or seriousness to something else, even if not literally the same. In plain terms, as good as; effectively the same as, even if not stated outright.

How do you pronounce “tantamount”?

“Tantamount” is pronounced TAN-tuh-mownt (/ˈtæntəˌmaʊnt/ in IPA).

How do you use “tantamount” in a sentence?

Here is “tantamount” used in a sentence: “Ignoring the warning was tantamount to admitting guilt.”

What part of speech is “tantamount”?

“Tantamount” is an adjective.

Where does the word “tantamount” come from?

The word “tantamount” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Italian. Borrowed in the early 1600s, most likely from Italian tanto montare ("to amount to as much"), or from an Anglo-Norman phrase with the same meaning.

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Vocabulary lists that include tantamount:

Words with Italian origins C1 vocabulary words