Upmost vs Utmost
Upmost and utmost are often mistaken by many native English speakers as the words sound and look incredibly similar. Utmost and upmost are both adjectives, and many people mistakenly use upmost when they mean to say or write utmost. Utmost also has a noun form. Utmost describes things that are either the limit of a place, thing, idea, etc., or used to show something is to the most extreme degree in its adjective form. As a noun, it has the same meaning as the adjective form’s second definition. Upmost, when used correctly, is a synonym of uppermost and means something is located at the highest possible location of a place, thing, etc.
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Utmost (adjective)
- The limit of a place, idea, thing, etc.
Examples:
He was living at the utmost point of the village’s north side.
She had reached the utmost limit of her patience with her calculus homework.
- To the most extreme degree.
Examples:
They held the utmost contempt for the suspect.
The utmost respect was shown towards the visiting dignitary.
Utmost (noun)
To the most extreme degree.
Examples:
The committee should only spend $200 on the office party at the utmost.
The new car was dubbed the utmost in luxury.
Upmost (adjective)
Located at the highest possible location of a place, thing, etc.
Examples:
Satellites can travel to the upmost portion of Earth’s atmosphere.
The body was found on the upmost part of the mountain.
Main Points
- Upmost and utmost are often mixed up, but they are two different words with different meanings.
- Utmost can be an adjective or a noun. It shows that something is to the extreme.
- Upmost is an adjective that means that something is located at the highest possible location.