optimal English · revision 14922

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1890}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/, US /ˈɑːp.tɪ.məl/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[optimum]] and [[-al]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) perhaps on the model of words such as [[proximal]];^(Etymonline) the NODE derives it from [[la|optimus|t=best]].^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Best or most favourable: 1890, at first a word in biology.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Optimally is recorded from 1933,^(OED 1989) and optimality is a later derivative.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1890 – optimal.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1933 – optimally.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Best or most favourable; [[optimum]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[optimally]]

+ * [[optimality]]

+ * [[superoptimal]]

+ * [[suboptimal]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[optimize]]

+ * [[optimism]]

+ * [[optimist]]

+ * [[optimistic]]

+ * [[optimum]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}