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Heights Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heights

[haษชts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

reach great heights

The state of being tall or high, especially above the ground. It can also refer to achieving great success or excellence.

Synonyms

altitude, elevation, peak, summit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heights

Used to describe the level of something above ground or sea level in a general sense, and can also refer to metaphorical heights, such as success or excitement.

  • The airplane reached new heights during its flight.
  • His career reached great heights after he got promoted.
elevation

Often used in geography and cartography to describe the height of a specific location above sea level. It is also used in architecture and medicine.

  • The city is situated at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level.
  • The doctor checked the elevation of the patient's leg to reduce swelling.
altitude

Commonly used in aviation, meteorology, and geology to specify the vertical distance from sea level. It often implies measurement in a scientific context.

  • The weather balloon ascended to an altitude of 20,000 feet.
  • Hikers need to acclimate to the high altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
peak

Refers to the pointed top of a mountain or hill. It can also metaphorically describe the highest point of something, like a career or a performance.

  • They climbed to the peak of Mount Everest.
  • The athlete is at the peak of his performance this season.
summit

Specifically denotes the highest point or top of a mountain or hill. It is also used in political and business contexts to refer to high-level meetings or conferences.

  • Reaching the summit of K2 is considered a great achievement for mountaineers.
  • World leaders gathered at the summit to discuss climate change.

Examples of usage

  • The skyscraper reached impressive heights.
  • She has reached new heights in her career.
Context #2 | Noun

fear of heights

Acrophobia, an extreme or irrational fear of heights.

Synonyms

acrophobia, vertigo.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heights

Same as the first entry but indicating the repetitiveness of the term. No need to add.
acrophobia

Used to refer to the fear of heights, specifically as a medical or psychological condition.

  • He couldn't join us on the hike because of his acrophobia
  • Her acrophobia makes flying quite a challenge
vertigo

Describes a feeling of dizziness or loss of balance, often related to looking down from a height. Typically used in a medical context or to describe sensations in high places.

  • Standing on the edge of the cliff gave him a severe sense of vertigo
  • Watching the movie in 3D made her feel like she was experiencing vertigo

Examples of usage

  • He couldn't climb the ladder due to his fear of heights.
  • She experiences panic attacks when faced with heights.
Context #3 | Noun

mountain heights

The highest part or point of a mountain.

Synonyms

mountain tops, peaks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heights

General term that could refer to any point of high elevation or a high location. Often used to describe both natural and man-made high places.

  • She has a fear of heights
  • The tower reached impressive heights
mountain tops

Specifically refers to the very top or summit of mountains. It is usually used in a literal sense and can evoke feelings of achievement or conquest.

  • After hours of climbing, they finally reached the mountain tops
  • The views from the mountain tops were breathtaking
peaks

Means the pointed top of a mountain, but can also be used metaphorically to indicate the highest point of something (like performance, interest, etc.).

  • The mountain has several snow-capped peaks
  • His career peaked with that award

Examples of usage

  • They reached the mountain heights after a long hike.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • The measurement of heights is crucial in fields like geography, where understanding elevation helps with weather patterns and climate.
  • Atmospheric pressure decreases with height, which is why mountain climbers may experience altitude sickness due to lower oxygen levels.

Literature

  • Heights are often used as symbols in literature, representing aspirations, challenges, or even fears.
  • In Emily Brontรซ's 'Wuthering Heights', the setting on lofty hills reflects the tumultuous emotions of the characters.

Pop Culture

  • In the popular movie 'High School Musical', characters strive to reach new heights in their personal and creative lives.
  • The phrase 'reaching new heights' is commonly used in motivational speeches and songs to inspire people to achieve their best.

Psychology

  • Fear of heights, known as acrophobia, is a common anxiety that can cause distress and affect daily activities.
  • Research shows that being at higher elevations can change your perspective, sometimes leading to clearer thinking and inspiration.

Origin of 'heights'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'heights' comes from the Old English 'hฤซehdom', which means 'highness' or 'elevation'.
  • In Middle English, the term was used to describe not only physical heights but also abstract concepts like importance or status.

The word 'heights' originated from the Old English word 'hiehthu', which is related to the Dutch 'hoogte' and German 'Hรถhe'. The concept of height has always been significant to humans, whether in terms of physical stature, achievements, or the natural world. Throughout history, heights have symbolized power, ambition, and transcendence, inspiring awe and fear in equal measure.

See also: height, heighten.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,081 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.