Height: meaning, definitions and examples

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height

[haɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physical measurement

The measurement from the base to the top of something standing upright. Height is commonly used to describe how tall a person, building, or object is.

Synonyms

elevation, stature, tallness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
height	Use 'height' when referring to the measurement of how tall something or someone is. It is a general term that can be applied to people, objects, buildings, etc. The height of the building is 300 meters. She is of average height.
tallness	Use 'tallness' less formally to describe the quality or condition of being tall. It is more commonly used in casual conversations. Her tallness makes her stand out in a crowd. He is proud of his tallness.
elevation	Use 'elevation' when referring to the height of a geographical location above a fixed reference point, usually sea level or the earth's surface. The elevation of the mountain is 2,500 meters. Denver is known for its high elevation.
stature	Use 'stature' to describe the natural height of a person or sometimes an animal, often in a way that conveys physical presence or importance. It is also used metaphorically to describe someone's reputation or importance. Despite his short stature, he has a commanding presence. She is a politician of great stature.

Examples of usage

The height of the mountain was impressive.
She is of average height for her age.
The height of the Eiffel Tower is 330 meters.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

extent or distance from bottom to top

The distance from the bottom to the top of something. Height can also refer to the extent or degree of something, such as the height of a situation or feeling.

Synonyms

degree, extent, level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
height	Used to describe how tall or high something or someone is, often in physical terms. The height of the mountain is over 3,000 meters Her height made her stand out in the crowd
extent	Refers to the range or scope of something, often in terms of area, length, or impact. The extent of the damage was worse than we initially thought They underestimated the extent of the problem
degree	Often used to measure temperature, angles, or levels of education and achievement. The temperature dropped to minus ten degrees last night He received a degree in engineering from the university
level	Used to talk about a specific stage or rank, often in terms of quality, amount, or position. Her skill level in playing the piano is impressive The water level in the river is rising due to the rain

Examples of usage

The height of her achievement was recognized by everyone.
The height of the tree made it difficult to climb.
The height of his anger was evident in his voice.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

peak or culmination

The highest point or top of something, often representing the peak or culmination of a process or event.

Synonyms

climax, culmination, peak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
height	Used to describe the highest point or most intense part of something, such as a person's ability or a time period. Often neutral in tone. She reached the height of her career with that promotion. At the height of summer, the temperatures can be extreme.
peak	Used to describe the highest level or greatest degree of something, such as performance, popularity, or achievement. It can be both literal, like a mountain's summit, and metaphorical. The athlete was at the peak of his physical condition. Tourism in the city peaks during the festival season.
culmination	Describes the final point or achievement after a series of events or efforts. Often used in formal contexts. Graduation day was the culmination of four years of hard work. The project reached its culmination with the successful launch.
climax	Typically used in storytelling, referring to the most exciting, important, or intense part of a narrative. Often emotional or dramatic. The movie's climax kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The climax of the book was both surprising and fulfilling.

Examples of usage

The height of his career was when he won the award.
The height of the party was when the band started playing.
The height of summer is usually in July.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'height' comes from Middle English, where it used to be spelled 'heythe'.
It is derived from the Old Norse word 'hǫǫð', which means 'height' or 'a high place'.
Over centuries, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, reaching the form we use today.

Science

In physics, height can affect how gravity acts on an object; the taller the height, the more potential energy it has.
Height plays a crucial role in fields like architecture, influencing building designs and safety regulations.
Research shows that the average height of a population can change over generations due to nutrition and health care.

Culture

In many cultures, height is associated with social status or attractiveness; taller individuals are often perceived as more dominant.
In sports, height can provide advantages in games like basketball and volleyball, leading to a focus on recruiting taller players for these teams.
In fashion, height influences runway standards, with taller models often being preferred for catwalk appearances.

Literature

Height is often used symbolically in literature, representing aspiration, ambition, or even separation from the mundane.
Characters portrayed as tall are sometimes depicted as noble or heroic, while shorter characters may be characterized as clever or witty.
The phrase 'the heights of ambition' suggests striving for great success, using height as a metaphor for achievement.

Psychology

Studies show that height can influence perceptions; taller individuals are often viewed as more confident and competent.
Height can affect self-esteem and body image, particularly during childhood and adolescence, as social norms vary across cultures.
In some cases, people may develop height-related biases, impacting how they treat others based on their stature.

Translations

Translations of the word "height" in other languages:

🇵🇹 altura

🇮🇳 ऊँचाई

🇩🇪 Höhe

🇮🇩 tinggi

🇺🇦 висота

🇵🇱 wysokość

🇯🇵 高さ (たかさ)

🇫🇷 hauteur

🇪🇸 altura

🇹🇷 yükseklik

🇰🇷 높이 (nop'i)

🇸🇦 ارتفاع

🇨🇿 výška

🇸🇰 výška

🇨🇳 高度 (gāodù)

🇸🇮 višina

🇮🇸 hæð

🇰🇿 биіктік

🇬🇪 სიმაღლე

🇦🇿 hündürlük

🇲🇽 altura

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,600, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

...
1597 institution
1598 hardly
1599 primarily
1600 height
1601 severe
1602 regional
1603 engine
...