optimal

/ˈɒptɪməl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɑːptɪməl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈäp-tə-məl/ (ame, mw)

optimal — adjective

1. giving the most effective result for a particular purpose or situation

1.形容詞C1
釋義

giving the most effective result for a particular purpose or situation

例句

The coach picked the optimal time to rest the injured striker.

collocation: optimal time

For tomatoes, this corner gets optimal morning sun and soft afternoon shade.

同義詞
  • best

    is the broad everyday word and sounds less technical

  • ideal

    can suggest a perfect match, not only the best practical result

  • optimum

    is more formal and is often used as a noun in technical writing

  • effective

    means it works well, but not necessarily that it is the best possible choice

反義詞
  • suboptimal

    means good but not as good as the best available point

  • unsuitable

    means not right for the purpose at all

  • inefficient

    focuses on waste or weak performance rather than the best result

文法句型

optimal conditions

optimal time

optimal for + noun

用法筆記

Usually placed before a noun and common in planning, science, and technical writing. After be, it often takes for + noun; for everyday personal likes, best or ideal is often more natural.

常見錯誤

❌We need the most optimal plan.
✅We need the optimal plan.
💡optimal already includes the idea of the best choice in that situation.
❌This cafe is optimal because I like the music.
✅This cafe is ideal for me because I like the music.
💡optimal usually sounds practical and result-focused, not based on taste alone.