Outmost vs. Utmost: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
Outmost refers to the farthest external boundary, while Utmost denotes the greatest degree or extent.
Key Differences
Outmost and Utmost are distinct in their usage and implications. While both have roots in describing extremities, their applications in English diverge significantly. Outmost delineates the outermost boundary or surface, emphasizing spatial position. Conversely, Utmost suggests the highest degree or intensity of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Imagine a series of concentric circles. The Outmost circle is the one farthest from the center, highlighting its position. In contrast, if we were to speak about the importance, intensity, or effort of something, we would use Utmost. It's about pushing limits to the extreme in terms of quality or quantity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Consider the protective layers of an organism. The Outmost layer is the one directly exposed to the external environment. However, when expressing the importance of protecting that organism, one might say that it's of the Utmost significance to ensure its survival.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
While Outmost is predominantly an adjective detailing position, Utmost serves both as an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, Utmost can describe the maximum capability or extremity, and as a noun, it signifies the extreme limit or degree.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
It's important to discern the subtleties between Outmost and Utmost. Outmost is concerned with spatial extremities, whereas Utmost addresses extremities in degree, quality, or importance.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Example Sentence
The outmost layer was damaged.
He tried his utmost to complete the task.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
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Outmost and Utmost Definitions
Outmost
Situated at the farthest boundary or point.
The outmost stars in the galaxy are hard to observe.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Utmost
Being at the furthest limit in terms of quality or quantity.
The situation demanded the utmost patience.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Outmost
Relating to the utmost edges or extremities.
The outmost regions of the forest are unexplored.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Utmost
Of the greatest possible amount, degree, or intensity.
She did her utmost to finish the project on time.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Outmost
Being the external layer or surface.
The outmost skin is the body's first line of defense.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
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Utmost
The highest, greatest, or best of one's abilities or power.
He performed with utmost skill.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Outmost
Furthest from the center or a particular point of reference.
The outmost ring of the target is the least rewarding.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Outmost
Absolute external limit.
The fence marks the outmost boundary of the property.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Utmost
Being or situated at the most distant limit or point; farthest
The utmost tip of the peninsula.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
Of the highest or greatest degree, amount, or intensity; most extreme
A matter of the utmost importance.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
The greatest possible amount, degree, or extent; the maximum
Worked every day to the utmost of her abilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
Situated at the most distant limit; farthest, outermost.
The utmost limits of the land
The utmost extent of human knowledge
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
The most extreme; greatest, ultimate.
The utmost assiduity
The utmost harmony
The utmost misery or happiness
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
The greatest possible capability, extent, or quantity; maximum.
At the utmost
To the utmost
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
Situated at the farthest point or extremity; farthest out; most distant; extreme; as, the utmost limits of the land; the utmost extent of human knowledge.
We coasted within two leagues of Antibes, which is the utmost town in France.
Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
Being in the greatest or highest degree, quantity, number, or the like; greatest; as, the utmost assiduity; the utmost harmony; the utmost misery or happiness.
He shall answer . . . to his utmost peril.
Six or seven thousand is their utmost power.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
The most that can be; the farthest limit; the greatest power, degree, or effort; as, he has done his utmost; try your utmost.
We have tried the utmost of our friends.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
Of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity;
Extreme cold
Extreme caution
Extreme pleasure
Utmost contempt
To the utmost degree
In the uttermost distress
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
Highest in extent or degree;
To the last measure of human endurance
Whether they were accomplices in the last degree or a lesser one was...to be determined individually
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
Utmost
(comparatives of `far') most remote in space or time or order;
Had traveled to the farthest frontier
Don't go beyond the farthermost (or furthermost) tree
Explored the furthest reaches of space
The utmost tip of the peninsula
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 10, 2023
FAQs
Can "Outmost" be used to describe intensity or quality?
No, "Outmost" typically refers to spatial positions, not intensity or quality.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Utmost" stand alone in a sentence?
Yes, "Utmost" can indicate the greatest possible degree without a direct comparison.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Outmost" commonly used in everyday language?
"Outmost" is less common than its synonym "Outermost."
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Utmost" always about extremity in a positive sense?
No, "Utmost" describes the greatest degree or extent, whether positive or negative.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Utmost" be used as both an adjective and a noun?
Yes, for example: "She did her utmost" (noun) and "It's of utmost importance" (adjective).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Are "Outmost" and "Utmost" synonymous?
No, "Outmost" refers to the farthest boundary, while "Utmost" indicates the greatest degree or extent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Utmost" describe a minimal degree?
No, it specifically denotes the greatest degree or extent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
What part of speech is "Outmost"?
"Outmost" is primarily used as an adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Outmost" refer to non-physical boundaries?
Less commonly, but it's possible when describing outer limits or edges, even abstractly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
In what contexts might "Outmost" be preferable to "Outermost"?
Their meanings overlap, but stylistic or rhythmic considerations in writing might favor one over the other.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Does "Outmost" have a noun form?
"Outmost" is mainly an adjective and doesn't have a standard noun form.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Outmost" used in formal writing?
It can be, though "Outermost" is more prevalent.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Utmost" derived from "Outmost"?
No, though they sound similar, their etymological roots differ.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Outmost" describe feelings or emotions?
It's not standard usage. "Outmost" primarily refers to spatial positions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Utmost" synonymous with "Maximum"?
They're similar, but "Utmost" often has a qualitative connotation, while "Maximum" is quantitative.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Utmost" refer to a person?
Indirectly. For example, "She is the utmost authority on the subject," but not typically to describe personal qualities.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Can "Outmost" and "Utmost" be used interchangeably in a sentence?
Rarely, as they denote different things – one spatial position, the other degree or quality.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Which word is older, "Outmost" or "Utmost"?
"Utmost" has older roots, tracing back to Old English. "Outmost" appeared later, influenced by "Outermost."
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Is "Utmost" more common in British or American English?
"Utmost" is common in both variants of English.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
