Heights: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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