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Altitude: meaning, definitions and examples

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altitude

 

[ ˈæltɪtjuːd ]

Noun
Measurement
Context #1 | Noun

in aviation

The height above the ground or sea level at which an aircraft is flying.

Synonyms

elevation, height, level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
altitude

Typically used when talking about the height of an object or location in relation to sea level or ground level, often in the context of aviation or geography.

  • The airplane reached an altitude of 30,000 feet
  • Mount Everest's summit has an altitude of 8,848 meters
height

Used to describe the measurement from base to top or head to foot of an object, person, or structure. It's the most general term and can be applied in many daily life contexts.

  • He is 6 feet in height
  • The height of the building is impressive
elevation

Commonly used in scientific and geographical contexts to describe the height of a point on the Earth's surface, normally in relation to sea level.

  • The city of Denver is known for its elevation of about one mile above sea level
  • The elevation of this area impacts the local weather patterns
level

Used to describe a specific horizontal position or stage, particularly in gaming, measurements of liquid, or stages of a process.

  • The water level in the lake has dropped significantly
  • She reached the highest level in the video game

Examples of usage

  • The pilot adjusted the altitude to avoid turbulence.
  • The plane reached a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.
Context #2 | Noun

in geography

The vertical distance of a point or object above a reference point, such as sea level or the earth's surface.

Synonyms

elevation, height, level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
altitude

Used when talking about the height of something above sea level, especially in aviation and geography.

  • The airplane is flying at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
  • Climbers often face breathing problems at high altitudes.
height

A general term that can refer to how tall someone or something is. It can be used for people, buildings, trees, etc.

  • What is the height of the tallest building in this city?
  • He is of average height for his age.
elevation

Often used in geographical contexts to describe the height of a specific location above sea level.

  • The city has an elevation of 1,500 meters.
  • The elevation of this mountain makes it a popular spot for hikers.
level

This term can refer to different degrees, amounts, or stages of something, such as water or skill. It is often used in broader contexts.

  • The water level in the river is rising.
  • She reached the highest level in the game.

Examples of usage

  • The city is located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level.
  • The mountain climber experienced altitude sickness at high elevations.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A high place or region.

Synonyms

elevation, height, level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
altitude

Used when referring to the height of objects in relation to sea level, often in aviation and mountain climbing.

  • The airplane maintained an altitude of 30,000 feet
  • The city's high altitude makes it cooler in the summer
height

A general term used to describe the measurement from base to top in everyday situations, applicable to people, objects, and buildings.

  • She is 5 feet 6 inches in height
  • The height of the skyscraper makes it the tallest in the city
elevation

Commonly used in geography and construction to refer to the height of a point on the Earth's surface or a building structure.

  • The elevation of the mountain is 2,484 meters
  • The survey measured the elevation of the land before construction began
level

Refers to a flat horizontal plane or a specific stage/position in a hierarchy or system. Not typically used to describe vertical height.

  • The water level in the reservoir is dangerously low
  • He has reached the next level in the game

Examples of usage

  • The mountain village was situated at a serene altitude.
  • The hotel offers breathtaking views from its altitude.

Translations

Translations of the word "altitude" in other languages:

🇵🇹 altitude

🇮🇳 ऊँचाई

🇩🇪 Höhe

🇮🇩 ketinggian

🇺🇦 висота

🇵🇱 wysokość

🇯🇵 高度 (こうど)

🇫🇷 altitude

🇪🇸 altitud

🇹🇷 irtifa

🇰🇷 고도 (高度)

🇸🇦 ارتفاع

🇨🇿 nadmořská výška

🇸🇰 nadmorská výška

🇨🇳 高度 (gāodù)

🇸🇮 nadmorska višina

🇮🇸 hæð

🇰🇿 биіктік

🇬🇪 სიმაღლე

🇦🇿 hündürlük

🇲🇽 altitud

Etymology

The word 'altitude' originated from the Latin word 'altitudo', derived from 'altus' meaning 'high'. It has been used in various contexts to refer to the height above a specific point, whether in aviation, geography, or general elevation. Altitude plays a crucial role in aviation for safe flying and navigation, while in geography, it defines the vertical distance of a location. The concept of altitude has been significant in human history, especially in exploration and understanding of the Earth's topography.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,462 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.