definitivo
/definitibo/from spelling rules
To say ultimate in Spanish, meaning greatest or final, use definitivo.
definitivo most often carries the sense of final, conclusive or decisive. For the sense of the greatest or supreme, formal Spanish also uses supremo.
Meaning: greatest or maximum (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American countries final is also used for this sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective agrees with the noun: definitiva for a feminine noun and definitivos for a masculine plural one.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /definitibo/.
Did you know?
- While definitivo means 'final', the Spanish word último is a common false friend that can mean 'the last' in a sequence or 'the most recent' when talking about news or fashion.
- The word definitivo shares its DNA with the English word 'definitive', as both stem from the same Latin root meaning 'to limit' or 'to set bounds'.
- The word definitivo focuses on the impossibility of change, whereas the English 'ultimate' often emphasizes the peak of quality or greatness.
Examples in context
- El supremo objetivo de la empresa es brindar el mejor servicio al cliente.The ultimate goal of the company is to provide the best customer service.
- Esa película es la máxima expresión del talento cinematográfico.That movie is the ultimate expression of cinematic talent.
- Este es el plan definitivo.This is the ultimate plan.
- Necesitamos un veredicto definitivo.We need a definitive verdict.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are discussing a new project.
- SofíaNecesitamos un plan definitivo para ganar.We need an ultimate plan to win.
- MateoEstoy de acuerdo contigo, Sofía.I agree with you, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Tienes alguna idea ahora, Mateo?Do you have any ideas now, Mateo?
- MateoSí, ya tengo el diseño definitivo.Yes, I already have the ultimate design.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries definitivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
