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schlechthin. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
schlechthin, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
schlechthin in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
schlechthin you have here. The definition of the word
schlechthin will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
schlechthin, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
German
Etymology
17th century, from schlecht + hin. The first component here preserves the older sense “plain, simple”, otherwise now restricted to the variant schlicht (see there).
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈʃlɛçtˈhɪn/
- Mostly stressed on the first syllable in the sense “absolutely”, on the second syllable in the sense “as such”.
Adverb
schlechthin
- (usually before an adjective) plainly, absolutely
- Synonyms: schlechterdings, ganz, gänzlich, völlig, einfach, überhaupt, durchaus
- Das ist schlechthin unmöglich. ― That is plainly impossible.
- (usually after a noun) in its purest form, in its truest sense, as such, par excellence
- Synonyms: an sich, par excellence, in Reinkultur
- Hitler symbolisiert für viele das Böse schlechthin. ― For many, Hitler symbolizes evil as such.
Further reading