# optimal

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɒptɪməl/ · frequency rank #7,824

## Definitions
1. The best, most favourable or desirable, especially under some restriction.

## Etymology
From Latin optimus + -al.

## Easily confused with
- **optimum** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optimal-vs-optimum)
- **Optimus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optimal-vs-optimus)
- **optional** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optimal-vs-optional)
- **optimally** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optimal-vs-optimally)
- **optical** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/optical-vs-optimal)

## Common misspellings (10)
`opitmal`, `opptimal`, `optiaml`, `optimall`, `optimla`, `optimmal`, `optmial`, `opttimal`, `otpimal`, `potimal`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/optimal