‘Utmost’ vs ‘Upmost’: Utter Confusion Resolved

Very means “greatest” or “highest”, as in “maximum importance” or “maximum respect.” tallest is a less common synonym of tallest, which means “at the top” or “highest in the position”, as in “top layer”. Although the words are similar and may overlap in meaning, tallest is an error when used to mean the largest. Use very instead of.

Very And tallest These are words that have the same spelling and pronunciation. They are also adjectives with somewhat similar meanings that we will discuss. Given these similarities, words are sometimes confused in writing and speech. Special, tallest mistakenly used in the context in which very be desired. This is somewhat understandable—although we don’t condone the misuse—since “up” is a much more common sound image than “ut”. If you find yourself using “maximum importance” or “maximum respect”, this article should be at the top of your “to do” list. Help readers distinguish very from tallest is our biggest concern.

woman on top of mountain photo

Is this the maximum or the maximum? Read on to find it.

‘Utmost’ Meaning and Usage

Very convey that something is the greatest or highest in degree, quantity, or quantity. In this case, very are often found modified words like importance, mindAnd respectamong others.

Apply these chemicals with extreme care, because any herbicide that can kill poison ivy will also kill any other plants it touches. — Beth Botts, Chicago CourtJuly 16, 2020

The public can rest assured that under her stewardship, the office will be led with the utmost integrity and competence. — Douglas M. Parker, quoted in New York TimesJuly 10, 2020

Very also indicates that something is, literally or figuratively, the furthest or the furthest—or that it is the outermost. (Veryby chance, traces back to Old English minimuma superlative adjective formed from the adverb Are notmeans “out.”)

We know it’s a capable three-stage rocket that, if they have it and if they can make it work, can fly very far—the maximum range, we believe, will be 9,000. mile. — Tom Foreman, quoted on CNN, December 15, 2010

No matter how trained, confident, or practiced a runner is to manage pain, pushing yourself to the limit still hurts—a lot. — Zach Bat, DePauw (DePauw University), October 2, 2018

Besides, very used as a noun to indicate the highest score or level achievable, as in “The hikers tried their best to reach the camp before dark” or “The boarding house provided comfort and ultimate luxury.” This noun also often appears in phrases like “to do one’s most” or “to try one’s most,” which means “do your best.”

See more:  On 'Idyll' and 'Ideal'

Meaning and Usage of ‘maximum’

Adjective tallest is a conjugation of the adverb upward with the adjective suffix -most of, which means “mostly” or “to the greatest extent or highest.” It denotes being placed in the highest or most prominent position and is synonymous with tallest.

It doesn’t get any sweeter than a penthouse-style setting, so you can imagine my surprise to find myself standing on the top floor of a condominium, displaying a 180-degree panoramic view of the Great Ocean. Western Ocean. — Regina Lynch Hudson, Atlanta CourtSeptember 1, 2015

tallest hence is the correct word to describe things at the top, on the other hand, very denotes the greatest extent or quantity of something. tallest also sometimes applied figuratively to suggest that something is of the highest rank, especially in the mind.

The safety of the children was the most important thing on her mind.

The economy remains a top priority on voters’ minds.

In its dictionary sense, tallest infrequently used in current English; tallest is preferred. But tallest often used as a misspelling of very in its adjective and noun form.

Carter said the two most concerning issues are the traffic problem and the littering problem of the city parish. — Apologist (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), July 24, 2020

Ranger Supervisor Kelly Russell appreciates community members and visitors supporting the restrictions and doing their best to prevent man-made fires. — Defeat Grant County (Silver City, New Mexico), July 10, 2012

The blend of tallest because very was part of the 2017 TV sitcom episode New girl. In the show, the students of Jess’ character give her a gift card (secretly purchased by Nick) as a gift. Later, one of the students said they had “maximum” respect for her. The use of tallest gets Jess’s attention and she calls Nick. This is the dialogue that happens after two words.

JESS: “Highest”? There’s only one person I know who says “the tallest”. It’s “the best.” NICK: “Best of all”? “Very.” Agree disagree. But the good news is that my writer block is gone, and that’s thanks to you. Jess, you always go above and beyond for me. JESS: I assure you, that’s “to the fullest.” NICK: What is “ut”? JESS: Come on, you’re a writer. NICK: It’s “up.” Up to the most. Not to the maximum. I assure you. JESS: All right, honey. NICK: I don’t come here and say, “Thanks for helping them do that.” I’ll laugh you out of here. What is “ut”

on top of is also a word that has been misused to mean “to the best of my ability”. This rarely happens, but evidence can be provided.

Professional child actors will not be required to appear on Kids Say the Darnest Things. The casting will take place nationwide (not just in Los Angeles). And diversity will be of prime importance. — Marc Berman, ForbesAugust 5, 2019

In short, very is an adjective indicating that something has the greatest degree, amount, or quantity, or the furthest or farthest. tallest is an adjective to convey that something is in the highest or most prominent position. As its spelling suggests, tallest describe things above. This highest concept may be confused by some with the highest, thus leading to misuse. tallest When very called for. Very is the correct word in phrases like “maximum importance” or “maximum respect.” Very level of concern; tallest location interest.

See more:  What is a Noun?

Categories: Usage Notes
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn

Leave a Comment