Root words are the fundamental building blocks of numerous words, providing valuable insights into their meanings. They unlock the secrets of languages, unveiling the complex web of words and their origins. Exploring root words enables you to understand the development of language and appreciate its historical richness. In this article, we focus on the root word “ultra,” which means “beyond” or “extremely,” indicating the idea of surpassing ordinary limits or going beyond the usual scope.
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Definition: Ultra
The prefix “ultra-” derives from Latin, meaning “beyond” or “extremely.” It helps to emphasize that something is more intense, excessive, or advanced compared to the norm. It is often combined with adjectives and nouns.
Origin
The prefix “ultra-” originates from Latin. In Latin, “ultra” means “beyond,” “on the far side of,” or “exceeding.” It has been adopted into English and other languages to form words that convey the idea of going beyond a certain limit or reaching an extreme degree. The use of “ultra-” in English began in the early 17th century and has since been used to create various terms that emphasize an intensified or surpassing quality. It often acts as a preceding compound prior to an adjective or a noun.
Example
“Ultra” as in …:
- Ultramodern (Adjective)
- Ultrasound (Noun)
“Ultra” in compounds typically emphasizes an extreme degree of the quality or characteristic described by the base word. For instance, in combination with the adjective “sonic,” “ultrasonic” pertains to sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper limit of human hearing. In compound with a noun, “ultramarathon,” e.g., refers to a race longer than the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles.
Using “ultra” in adjectives
The root “ultra” is frequently used to form adjectives that describe something as extremely beyond the norm, such as “ultrathin,” describing something to be extremely thin. Find more examples of adjectives compounded with the prefix “ultra” in the following.
Ultraconservative…
… refers to someone with extremely conservative views, particularly in politics or religion.
Examples
- The candidate’s ultraconservative stance on social issues appealed to the electorate.
- Her ultraconservative views often put her at odds with her colleagues.
Ultrathin…
… describes someone or something to be extremely thin.
Examples
- The new smartphone boasts an ultrathin design, making it the sleekest device yet.
- She preferred the ultrathin laptop for its portability and lightweight for travel.
Ultralight…
… refers to someone or something to be exceptionally lightweight, typically used to describe lightweight aircraft or camping gear.
Examples
- The hiker preferred the ultralight tent because it was easier to carry on long treks.
- He invested in an ultralight laptop for its portability and convenience during travel.
Ultramicroscopic…
… describes something to be so small as to be observable only with an electron microscope.
Examples
- The electron microscope allowed us to observe the ultramicroscopic particles.
- Due to their ultramicroscopic size, the bacteria could not be seen with the microscope.
Further adjectives with “ultra”
| Example | Explanation |
| Ultradurable | Extremely capable of withstanding severe conditions. |
| Ultranationalist | Someone with strong patriotic and exclusionary views. |
| Ultraviolent | Someone who is extremely aggressive or violent. |
| Ultracompetitive | Someone who is extremely driven to achieve the highest level of success or victory. |
| Ultrasensitive | Someone highly responsive to stimuli or changes. |
| Ultraefficient | Maximizing productivity or effectiveness with minimal waste. |
| Ultrapure | Exceptionally free from any contamination or impurities. |
| Ultrafast | Someone/something being extremely fast or rapid. |
| Ultraclean | Exceptionally clean, often to a sterile or pristine level. |
| Ultraviolet | Electromagnetic wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. |
Using “ultra” in nouns
As a prefix in nouns, “ultra” indicates something that exceeds the norm or is at an extreme level. These nouns typically denote what the base word describes, going beyond ordinary limits. For instance, an “ultramicroscope” is a microscope designed to observe extremely small particles that cannot be seen with a standard microscope. Below, you will find examples of using “ultra” in nouns.
Ultrarunner…
… describes a person who frequently participates in ultramarathons.
Examples
- The ultrarunner completed the grueling 100-mile race in record time.
- As an experienced ultrarunner, she trains for hours every day to build endurance.
Ultracentrifuge…
… refers to a device that spins at very high speed to separate substances of different densities.
Examples
- The scientists used an ultracentrifuge to separate the different components.
- Due to its high-speed capabilities, the ultracentrifuge is essential for tiny particles.
Ultracapacitor…
… is a high-capacity capacitor with a much higher capacitance than standard capacitors.
Examples
- The engineer installed an ultracapacitor to ensure the device was reliable.
- The ultracapacitor significantly improved the electric vehicle’s performance.
Ultrasound…
… describes a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body.
Examples
- The doctor used an ultrasound to monitor the development of the baby.
- The ultrasound images revealed detailed information about the patient’s organs.
Further nouns with “ultra”
| Example | Explanation |
| Ultramicropore | An extremely small pore, often used in the context of materials science or filtration. |
| Ultrafiltration | A process of filtration using extremely fine membranes to separate very small particles. |
| Ultramicrotome | A tool that cuts extremely thin slices of material to observe under the microscope. |
| Ultramafic | A type of igneous rock that contains very low amounts of silica and is rich in minerals. |
| Ultranationalism | An extreme form of nationalism, with a belief in one's nation's superiority. |
FAQs
Here are example sentences using the prefix “ultra”:
- The athlete’s ultra-endurance allowed him to complete the ultramarathon with ease.
- The new smartphone boasts an ultra-high-definition display for an incredible experience.
- Her ultraconservative views often sparked debates in the office.
- Scientists are studying the properties of ultramicroscopic particles to understand their behaviour.
The root word “ultra” means “beyond” or “extremely,” indicating something that surpasses the usual limits or reaches an extreme degree.
The word “ultra” is a prefix and is added to the beginning of a word to indicate that something goes beyond the usual limits or is at an extreme degree.
Synonyms for the word “ultra” include:
- Extreme
- Exceedingly
- Excessive
- Super
- Hyper
- Supreme
- Utmost
- Intense
The word “ultra” comes from Latin and means “beyond” or “on the far side of.” It is used as a prefix in English to indicate something that goes beyond the usual limits or reaches an extreme degree. This usage began in the early 17th century and has been used to form words emphasizing intensity, excess, or extremity.
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