schlechthin

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”.

• Audio:

  (file)

Adverb

schlechthin

1. (usually before an adjective) plainly, absolutely

   Synonyms: schlechterdings, ganz, gänzlich, völlig, einfach, überhaupt, durchaus

   Das ist schlechthin unmöglich. ― That is plainly impossible.

2. (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 schlechtin. ― For many, Hitler symbolizes evil as such.

Further reading

• “schlechthin” in Duden online