ultimatum
ultimatum
noun ool-tee-mah-TOM Rare
Origin: Latin ultimatum, from ultimus (last)
Usage Note
Ultimatum is used in diplomacy and everyday speech for a final, non-negotiable demand with a deadline. It is invariable in form — the plural des ultimatums is standard (not ultimata). The phrase poser un ultimatum à quelqu'un means to issue someone an ultimatum.
Examples
"Le gouvernement a posé un ultimatum aux rebelles."
Natural Translation
The government issued an ultimatum to the rebels.
Literal Translation
The government posed an ultimatum to the rebels.
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