ultimately

Ultimately is an adverb that denotes the final outcome of a process, decision, or argument. It can mean at the end after considering all factors, or eventually as time passes to a point of conclusion. In discourse, it often foregrounds what matters most about a sequence of events, rather than the intermediate steps.

Usage: It commonly precedes a conclusion, emphasis on causation or consequence: “Ultimately, the project succeeded because of sustained funding.” “The argument hinged on economics, but ultimately ethics determined the outcome.” In everyday writing, it partly softens judgments by acknowledging complexity.

Etymology: ultimately derives from the adjective ultimate, from Latin ultimus “furthest, farthest, last” with the suffix -ly. Its sense has expanded from “final” to “in the final analysis” across centuries.

Related terms and notes: related words include ultimate (adjective), generally synonymous with final, and synonyms such as finally, eventually, in the end. The nuance: “ultimately” stresses final result; “eventually” emphasizes time; “in the end” is more colloquial. In academic style, its use should be precise to avoid vague conclusions.