Apex: meaning, definitions and examples

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apex

 

[ ˈeɪˌpɛks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

video games

The highest point; peak. In video games, it refers to the top skill level or rank in competitive gameplay.

Synonyms

peak, pinnacle, summit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apex

A technical or formal context, often used to describe the highest point of development or accomplishment.

  • The scientist's discovery marked the apex of his career.
  • At the apex of the mountain, we could see the entire valley below.
peak

Commonly used to describe the highest point in a more general sense, such as physical height, periods of activity, or performance.

  • Traffic is always heavy during peak hours.
  • He reached the peak of his physical fitness just before the competition.
summit

Primarily used in a literal sense to describe the highest point of a mountain, but can also refer to high-level meetings or the peak of a process.

  • We finally reached the summit after a long day of climbing.
  • World leaders gathered at the summit to discuss climate change.
pinnacle

Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe the highest level of achievement or success, adding a tone of grandeur.

  • Winning the Nobel Prize is considered the pinnacle of success in their field.
  • The company reached its pinnacle during the 1990s.

Examples of usage

  • He reached the apex of his gaming career by winning the championship.
  • Only the best players can reach the apex rank in this game.
Context #2 | Noun

science

The top or highest part of something. In science, it can refer to the tip of a structure or the highest point of a trajectory.

Synonyms

peak, summit, zenith.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apex

Apex is often used to describe the highest point or reaching the pinnacle in a situation, achievement, or physical structure.

  • She reached the apex of her career at a young age
  • The apex of the building offers a stunning view of the city
peak

Peak is used to refer to the top of a mountain or hill, or to the highest level of performance, emotion, or condition.

  • The athlete trained hard to ensure he was in peak condition for the competition
  • We reached the peak of the mountain just after sunrise
summit

Summit is typically used in the context of the highest point of a mountain or a metaphorical meeting point of highest-level discussions, often in political or business contexts.

  • The climbers set out early to reach the summit by noon
  • The world leaders gathered for the climate summit
zenith

Zenith is used to indicate the highest point reached in the sky by a celestial body or the peak point of someone's power, influence, or success, often in a more poetic or formal context.

  • At the zenith of her influence, she could sway decisions with a single word
  • They observed the stars reaching their zenith in the clear night sky

Examples of usage

  • The rocket reached its apex before beginning its descent.
  • The apex predator in this ecosystem is the lion.

Translations

Translations of the word "apex" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ápice

🇮🇳 शिखर

🇩🇪 Gipfel

🇮🇩 puncak

🇺🇦 апекс

🇵🇱 szczyt

🇯🇵 頂点 (ちょうてん)

🇫🇷 apex

🇪🇸 ápice

🇹🇷 zirve

🇰🇷 정점 (jeongjeom)

🇸🇦 قمة

🇨🇿 vrchol

🇸🇰 vrchol

🇨🇳 顶点 (dǐngdiǎn)

🇸🇮 vrh

🇮🇸 tindur

🇰🇿 шың

🇬🇪 პიკი

🇦🇿 zirvə

🇲🇽 ápice

Etymology

The word 'apex' comes from Latin, where it originally meant the tip or summit of something. It has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to the highest point or peak of something, both literally and metaphorically. In modern usage, 'apex' is often associated with video games to describe the highest skill level or rank.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,700 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.