optimal

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˈɒptɪməl/ 🇺🇸 /ˈɑptəməl/

📖 Definitions

  1. adjective
    Best or most favorable; most desirable or satisfactory under given circumstances.; In mathematics and optimization theory, relating to the best possible solution to a problem, such as the maximum or minimum value of a function.; In biology and ecology, referring to conditions that produce the best growth, survival, or reproductive success for an organism.; In economics, referring to an allocation of resources that maximizes efficiency or welfare, as in Pareto optimal.

🔗 Details

Word forms

Collocations

optimal solutionoptimal leveloptimal performanceoptimal conditionsoptimal useoptimal resultoptimal temperature

Derivatives

optimallyoptimizeoptimizationoptimumoptimismoptimistoptimisticsuboptimal

Synonyms

idealbestperfectoptimummost favorablesupreme

Antonyms

suboptimalworstpoorinferior

Commonly confused

optimum
EN: 'Optimum' is primarily a noun (the optimum), while 'optimal' is primarily an adjective (the optimal solution), though both can function as adjectives.
optimistic
EN: 'Optimistic' describes a person's hopeful attitude, while 'optimal' describes the best possible condition or outcome.

Spelling tips

EN: Do not confuse 'optimal' (adjective meaning 'best possible') with 'optimum' (noun meaning 'the best point'). Also note that 'optimal' is considered an absolute adjective and should not normally be compared (avoid 'more optimal').

💬 Examples

  1. The optimal temperature for growing tomatoes is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. The algorithm is designed to find the optimal solution to the linear programming problem.

  3. The optimal pH for enzyme activity in the human stomach is around 2.0.

  4. A Pareto optimal state is one where no individual can be made better off without making someone else worse off.