tunlichst

German

Etymology

Lexicalized adverbial superlative, from tunlich +‎ -st.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈtuːnlɪçst/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: tun‧lich‧st

Adverb

tunlichst

  1. preferably (a general preference, if the situation allows it)
    Synonym: möglichst
  2. definitely (an absolute preference, risking failure or other consequences when disregarded)
    Synonyms: unbedingt, auf jeden Fall
    Das sollten wir tunlichst vermeiden. ― We should definitely avoid that.
    • 2024 June 22, Andreas Schuler, “Fußball-EM ohne Public Viewing? Darum verzichtet manch Konstanzer Gastronom darauf”, in Südkurier‎[1], archived from the original on 2024/06/22:
      Außerdem sollten die Begriffe Euro, EM 2024 oder Uefa auf Werbebannern oder Hinweisschildern tunlichst vermieden werden – die sind nämlich urheberrechtlich geschützt und würden eine weitere stattliche Gebühr nach sich ziehen.
      Also, the terms "Euro", "EM 2024" or "Uefa" should definitely be avoided on banners or information signs - they are protected by copyright and can lead to a significant additional fee.

Usage notes

  • In many situations, there is no clear separation between the two senses, generally emphasizing a strong recommendation for or against doing something. However, in modern usage it is typically connotated as being more severe than möglichst.

Further reading

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