Apotheosis: meaning, definitions and examples

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apotheosis

 

[ ˌapəˈθiːəsɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

of a person or thing

The highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax.

Synonyms

climax, culmination, peak, pinnacle, summit.

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Word Description / Examples
apotheosis

Use this word to describe the highest point in the development of something, often imbuing it with a sense of divinity or perfection.

  • Winning the Nobel Prize was the apotheosis of his career.
  • The empire's apotheosis came under the reign of its most beloved ruler.
culmination

Appropriate for describing the final and most important stage of something after a period of development or effort.

  • The project was the culmination of years of research.
  • The festival was the culmination of months of planning.
climax

This word is suited for indicating the most intense, exciting, or important point of something, usually in the context of a narrative or event.

  • The movie's climax kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
  • The climax of the play left the audience in awe.
peak

This word works well for denoting the highest level or greatest degree of a phenomenon, often in a quantitative sense.

  • The stock prices reached their peak last Friday.
  • He was at the peak of his physical fitness in his twenties.
pinnacle

Best used for describing the highest point or greatest achievement, often implying great success or admiration.

  • Winning the championship was the pinnacle of her sports career.
  • The pinnacle of the mountain offered a breathtaking view.
summit

This word can describe the highest point of a mountain or the top level one can achieve in a given context.

  • The climbers reached the summit after a grueling ascent.
  • He is at the summit of his professional career.

Examples of usage

  • It was the apotheosis of his career.
  • The movie was considered the apotheosis of science fiction films.
Context #2 | Noun

in religion

The elevation of someone to divine status; deification.

Synonyms

deification, divinization, exaltation, glorification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
apotheosis

Used to describe the highest point or most perfect example of something, often implying a state of idealization.

  • Her performance was the apotheosis of acting.
  • The new design is the apotheosis of modern technology.
deification

Refers to the act of treating someone or something as a god or assigning divine status, i.e., elevating someone to the level of a deity.

  • Ancient cultures often practiced deification of their rulers.
  • The deification of celebrities can lead to unrealistic expectations.
divinization

Similar to 'deification,' it usually means the process of making someone or something divine. Often used in a religious or spiritual context.

  • The mystic spoke of the divinization of the human spirit.
  • The ritual was designed to promote the divinization of the leader.
glorification

This typically describes the act of glorifying or giving great honor, sometimes excessively or undeservedly. It can carry a negative connotation if perceived as overdone.

  • The movie depicted the glorification of war, which was controversial.
  • The poet received much glorification for his work.
exaltation

Refers to the act of praising someone highly or elevating their status. It can be used in religious or secular contexts, but tends to suggest joy or excitement.

  • The king's actions led to his exaltation among the people.
  • The exaltation after the team's victory could be felt throughout the city.

Examples of usage

  • The ancient Greeks believed in the apotheosis of their gods.
  • The apotheosis of the Pharaoh in ancient Egypt was a common practice.

Translations

Translations of the word "apotheosis" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apoteose

🇮🇳 उत्कर्ष

🇩🇪 Vergöttlichung

🇮🇩 apoteosis

🇺🇦 апофеоз

🇵🇱 apoteoza

🇯🇵 神格化 (しんかくか)

🇫🇷 apothéose

🇪🇸 apoteosis

🇹🇷 apoteoz

🇰🇷 신격화 (神格化)

🇸🇦 تأليه

🇨🇿 apoteóza

🇸🇰 apoteóza

🇨🇳 顶峰 (dǐngfēng)

🇸🇮 apoteoza

🇮🇸 guðdómgun

🇰🇿 апофеоз

🇬🇪 აპოთეოზი

🇦🇿 apoteoz

🇲🇽 apoteosis

Etymology

The word 'apotheosis' originated from the Greek word 'apotheōsis', meaning 'deification' or 'the process of becoming a god'. In ancient Greek and Roman religions, apotheosis referred to the raising of a person to the level of a god or the recognition of a person's divine qualities. Over time, the term evolved to also signify the highest point or culmination of something, beyond the religious connotation. Today, 'apotheosis' is commonly used to describe the pinnacle or climax of a process or achievement.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,438, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.