What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
terminal
Example
We arrived at the airport terminal an hour before our flight. [terminal: noun]
Example
The patient was in the terminal stage of cancer. [terminal: adjective]
Example
The printer is connected to the computer via a USB terminal. [terminal: noun]
ultimate
Example
Winning the championship is the ultimate goal for any athlete. [ultimate: adjective]
Example
The ultimate outcome of the negotiations was a compromise. [ultimate: noun]
Example
The search for ultimate truth has been a philosophical pursuit for centuries. [ultimate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terminal is more commonly used than ultimate in everyday language, especially in the context of transportation or technology. Ultimate is more commonly used in academic or philosophical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between terminal and ultimate?
Both terminal and ultimate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but ultimate may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its broader and more abstract nature.
