German Conversation · Level 173
29 words
German word
schlechthin
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʃlɛçtˈhɪn/
Meaning
- adverbsimply
Example
Sie ist die Expertin schlechthin.
She is the expert, pure and simple.
More examples
Für viele junge Musiker ist er das Vorbild schlechthin.
For many young musicians, he is the ultimate role model.
Core concept
A spotlight singles out a noun as the unquestioned model of its category.
Common phrases
das Vorbild schlechthin
the ultimate role model
die Lösung schlechthin
the ultimate solution
Similar words
par excellence: The finest or most outstanding example in a particular field.
schlichtweg: In a plain, direct, and emphatic way.
zweifellos: With no room for doubt; unquestionably.
Definition in German
Ein Adverb zur starken Hervorhebung, das eine Person, Sache oder Eigenschaft als kennzeichnendes bzw. unangefochtenes Muster ihrer Klasse bezeichnet.
Word origin
The adverb combines older schlecht, in the sense of "plain" or "straight", with hin, and the combination gradually became an intensifier of exemplary status.
Usage tips
- Unlike English "simply", schlechthin normally does not mean "merely"; it often adds an extreme or defining characterization instead.
Other meanings
- absolutelyadverb
- trulyadverb
Opposites
- keineswegsby no meansadverb
- ganz und gar nichtnot at alladverb