Definition of "ultimately" in English

adverb

1. Indicating the last item.

   • Firstly,… Secondly,… Ultimately,…

2. Indicating the most important action.

   • Ultimately, he will have to make a decision before the end of the week.

3. In the end; finally.

4. (linguistics) Used to indicate the etymon at which a given etymological derivation terminates.

   • Cognate to Gottscheerish boßər, bàsser. Ultimately cognate to standard High German Wasser.
   • Shortened from maxiature, ultimately from Latin maximus ("large").
   • Ultimately from Latin equus ("horse").