Ultimatum
/ˌʌl.tɪˈmeɪ.təm/noun
A final demand or statement of terms, often backed by a threat.
Did you know?It entered English through diplomatic Latin, where it was the neuter form of *ultimus* (“last”), and its force comes from being a statement that closes the door on negotiation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*al-
“to grow, nourish; later extended into ideas of reaching an end or extremity in Latin derivatives”
Latin
Latin
ultimus
“last, farthest, final”
Late Latin
Latin
ultimatum
“the final proposal or final thing presented”
17th Century
Latin/English
ultimatum
“a final proposition or demand, especially in diplomacy”
Modern English
English
ultimatum
“a final demand or statement of terms, often with a threat attached”
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