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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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