optimus
[ˈɔp.tɪ.mʊs]
The Latin word for "best" is optimus.
optimus is the superlative form of the adjective "good". It can be used to describe both things and people.
Meaning: superlative of the adjective good (adj)
Which one should you use?
optimus is the superlative adjective (the best thing), whereas optime is the superlative adverb (doing something in the best way).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
optimus is the masculine singular nominative form of the superlative adjective. The adjective optimus must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, using the forms optima for feminine and optimum for neuter.
Did you know?
- The word optimus likely contains a hidden connection to the concept of being 'at' or 'near' a certain state, stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁épi.
- The word optimus is so central to Latin that it serves as the ancestor for many modern Romance language words meaning 'best', such as the Italian 'ottimo'.
Examples in context
- Hic mundus perfectissimus est etiam mundorum possibilium omnium optimusThis most perfect world is even the best of all possible worldsThis example shows how to use optimus when comparing worlds.
- Amicus meus optimus es.You are my best friend.This example uses optimus to describe a friend.Tatoeba #7878724 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #20116 by CK
- Hic calamus optimus est.This pen is the best.This example uses optimus to describe a pen.Tatoeba #4938403 by alexmarcelo, translation #2615368 by CK
- Consilium optimum in momento difficili est utile.The best advice is useful in difficult times.
- Historia eius est praestantissima inter omnes.His history is the best amongst all.
- Hic est cibus optimus quidem!This is really the best food!
- Quidem, amicus meus est optimus!Indeed, my friend is the best!
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are discussing a book they just read.
- JuliaHic liber optimus est.This book is the best.
- LuciusIta, amica mea quoque id dicit.Yes, my friend says so too.
- JuliaQuis est auctor optimus?Who is the best author?
- LuciusNescio, sed hic liber optimus est.I don't know, but this book is the best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best” translations and entries optimus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries optimus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
