Height: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.