Climactic: meaning, definitions and examples

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climactic

 

[ klaɪˈmæktɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

story development

The term 'climactic' refers to the most intense, exciting, or important point of a story, event, or situation. It is often used to describe the moment that leads to a resolution or ultimate conclusion. This point is crucial as it captures the peak of the emotional or dramatic tension. The climactic moment is typically where the main conflict reaches its highest point, impacting the characters and storyline significantly.

Synonyms

crucial, decisive, fateful, pivotal

Examples of usage

  • The climactic scene left the audience breathless.
  • In the novel, the climactic confrontation between the hero and villain defined the story.
  • The climactic battle determined the fate of the kingdom.
  • The film built up to a climactic twist that shocked viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "climactic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 climático

🇮🇳 क्लाइमैटिक

🇩🇪 klimatisch

🇮🇩 klimatik

🇺🇦 кліматичний

🇵🇱 klimatyczny

🇯🇵 気候の

🇫🇷 climatique

🇪🇸 climático

🇹🇷 iklimsel

🇰🇷 기후의

🇸🇦 مناخي

🇨🇿 klimatický

🇸🇰 klimatický

🇨🇳 气候的

🇸🇮 klimatski

🇮🇸 loftslags

🇰🇿 климаттық

🇬🇪 კლიმატური

🇦🇿 iqlim

🇲🇽 climático

Etymology

The word 'climactic' comes from the Greek word 'klimax,' meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase,' which evokes the idea of ascending to a peak or climactic moment. The term was adopted into the English language in the early 19th century, primarily in literary contexts, to describe the peak of the narrative arc or dramatic tension. Over time, it has been broadened to apply to various situations beyond literature, including movies, plays, and even real-life events where a significant pinnacle point is reached. The usage of 'climactic' reflects the evolution of storytelling and the increasing complexity of character development and emotional engagement in narratives. As storytelling mediums have expanded, so too has the relevance of the climactic moment in modern narratives, making it a central component of both traditional and contemporary storytelling.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,573, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.