German word

höchst

Pronunciation

IPA/høːçst/

Meaning

  • adverbextremely

Example

Das ist höchst gefährlich.

That is extremely dangerous.

Illustration for höchst (extremely)

More examples

Es ist höchst wahrscheinlich, dass er absagt.

It is extremely likely that he will cancel.

Core concept

A dial needle at its upper limit marks an extreme degree.

Common phrases

  • höchst wahrscheinlich

    extremely likely

  • höchst interessant

    highly interesting

  • höchst persönlich

    personally

Similar words

sehr: Naturally indicates a high degree in everyday speech.
wirklich: Adds emphasis that something is really so.
total: Indicates an extreme degree in informal speech.
äußerst: Conveys an exceptionally high degree in a formal style.

Definition in German

Etwas als außerordentlich intensiv kennzeichnet und häufig direkt vor dem Wort steht, das betont werden soll.

Word origin

The adverb höchst comes from the superlative of hoch, historically höchest, and developed an intensifying use for the highest degree.

Usage tips

  • Höchst sounds more formal and emphatic than sehr, while sehr is usually more natural in ordinary conversation.

Other meanings

  • veryadverb

Opposites

  • kaumscarcelyadverb
  • wenigerto a lesser extentadverb

Related words

  • höchstensno more thanadverb
  • Höchstleistungtop performancenoun

Word lists with this word