Difference Wiki

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

Primary Meaning

Farthest external boundary
Greatest degree or extent
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Usage

Mostly as an adjective
As both an adjective and a noun
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Context

Spatial position
Intensity, quality, or importance
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Synonyms

Outermost
Maximum, extreme
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023

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

Utmost

Most extreme; maximum.
The decision was of utmost importance.
Sawaira Riaz
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

Outmost

Farthest out; outermost.
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

Outmost

Farthest outside; as far from the center or inside as possible.
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

Outmost

That which is outmost; the surface; the outside.
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

Outmost

Farthest from the middle or interior; farthest outward; outermost.
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

Outmost

Situated at the farthest possible point from a center
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

The greatest possible degree;
He tried his utmost
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

Utmost

The extreme limit or degree.
The news was surprising to the utmost.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 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

What's a synonym for "Outmost"?

A common synonym is "Outermost."
Sawaira Riaz
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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Huma 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.

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