optimally

American  

[op-tuh-muh-lee] / ˈɒp tə mə li /

adverb

1. in the way or to the degree that is most favorable or desirable; in the best way.

   A regular eye test will reveal signs of eye strain and disease, and ensure that the visual system is functioning optimally.

2. ideally; preferably.

   Optimally no editing should be necessary, but checking the files is recommended regardless.

   This video game is optimally played with friends rather than solo or with random partners.

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Etymology

Origin of optimally

optimal ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Geothermal is a perfect match for data centers because geothermal projects need to run 24/7 to operate optimally, according to Roland Horne, the director of Stanford University’s geothermal program.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

When positioned optimally, the device prevented inhalation of pathogens during the first 15 minutes of exposure.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2025

As he sees it, the interfaces used by staff both in the field and in control centres to gain information aren’t optimally designed.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2024

The whirlwind game by the YouTuber known as HanabiYaki, who beat an optimally set-up world in 53 seconds, was the latest in a series of unbelievably fast, history-making runs.

From New York Times • May 17, 2024

The difference between a fast fraction and a slow fraction is often less than a second, and a jockey must be able to discriminate between the two to place his horse optimally.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand