Optima

Optima is a term used in various contexts, deriving from the Latin optimus meaning "the best." It is commonly employed as a brand name or model designation and appears in fields ranging from typography to automobiles and general science.

In typography, Optima is a humanist sans-serif typeface designed by German typographer Hermann Zapf and released in the late 1950s. It features calligraphic, slightly flared strokes with minimal serifs, yielding an elegant, readable face used in books, logos, and signage.

In the automotive sector, the Kia Optima is a mid-size sedan produced by Kia Motors from 2000 to 2020. It was marketed worldwide under the name Optima for many years; from 2021 some markets shifted the model’s name to Kia K5, while others retained the Optima designation.

In science and mathematics, optima is the plural of optimum and denotes the best or most favorable value of an objective function under given constraints. The term is used across optimization theory, operations research, and related disciplines.

As a brand name, Optima appears in various products and services, including cosmetics, consumer electronics, and energy-efficient solutions. The word’s association with high quality and performance underpins its appeal as a generic branding element worldwide.