The phrase "did utmost" is spelled as /dɪd ˈʌtməʊst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "did" is pronounced as /dɪd/, with a short "i" sound, followed by the "d" sound. The word "utmost" is pronounced as /ˈʌtməʊst/, with the emphasis on the first syllable and a long "o" sound. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward once the pronunciation is understood, and it signifies having done everything possible to achieve a goal.
The phrase "did utmost" is an idiomatic expression that means to make the maximum effort or exertion in order to accomplish a task or achieve a desired outcome. It implies putting forth one's greatest possible effort, leaving no stone unturned, and sparing no energy or resource in pursuit of a goal.
The term "did" in this phrase refers to the past tense of the verb "do," which suggests taking action or engaging in an activity. "Utmost" conveys the highest or greatest degree, extent, or intensity of effort that one is capable of. The phrase as a whole conveys a sense of perseverance, determination, and dedication to accomplish something.
When someone says they "did utmost," it indicates that they went above and beyond, employed all available means, and exceeded what might be considered a normal or typical effort. It suggests a willingness to go the extra mile, endure hardships, and overcome obstacles in order to see a task through to completion successfully.
For example, if someone "did utmost" to solve a complex problem, it implies that they exhausted all possible solutions, explored various avenues of approach, and invested considerable time and energy in finding a resolution. This phrase captures the idea of someone giving their absolute best effort, leaving no room for doubt or regret about their commitment to achieving what they set out to do.
The phrase "did utmost" consists of two words: "did" and "utmost".
The word "did" is the past tense of the verb "do" and derives from the Old English word "don". It has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "dōnan".
The word "utmost" is an adjective that originated from the Old English word "ūtmest", where "ūt" means "out" and "-mest" is a superlative suffix. Thus, "utmost" represents the concept of "the most extreme" or "the furthest point".
So, when "did" and "utmost" are combined, the phrase "did utmost" essentially means "to have done the most extreme or greatest".