The spelling of the phrase "last resource" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "last," is pronounced /læst/ with a short "a" sound and a voiceless "s" sound. The second word, "resource," is pronounced /rɪ'sɔrs/ with a short "i" sound and a stressed "sor" syllable. The "ce" at the end is pronounced with a soft "s" sound. "Last resource" means the final option or solution that someone turns to in a difficult situation.
Last resource refers to a final and ultimate option or course of action that is pursued when all other alternatives or possibilities have been exhausted or are no longer available. It is the last resort that one turns to when facing a difficult or desperate situation. The term often implies that the selected option is not ideal or preferred, but rather represents the final effort or last remaining possibility.
In various contexts, last resource can refer to a variety of situations. For instance, in the field of healthcare, it can describe a treatment or procedure that is attempted when all other medical interventions have failed to yield satisfactory results. It may also apply to financial matters, indicating the financial reserves or funds that are only used when all other sources of money have been depleted.
The concept of last resource is closely related to the idea of a "last-ditch" effort or a "final stand." It suggests a sense of urgency, as well as an acknowledgment that there are no other feasible options remaining. Last resource can often be a high-stakes decision, as the outcome or implications of relying on this final alternative may be uncertain or risky.
Overall, last resource serves as a safety net or fallback option when all other possibilities have been exhausted, and it represents the final attempt to address a problem or challenge before accepting defeat or seeking alternative paths.
The word "last" originated from the Old English word "laest", which means "final, latest, or most recent". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*saiztaz".
The word "resource" comes from the Old French word "ressource", which means "a means of supplying, relief, or help". It can be further traced to the Latin word "resource", which means "a source of aid or support". The Latin word is derived from the prefix "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and the verb "surgere" (meaning "to rise" or "to emerge").
When these two words are combined, "last resource" indicates the final or ultimate means of providing aid or support in a particular situation.