Highest: meaning, definitions and examples

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highest

 

[ ˈhaɪɪst ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

level of something

Being at the top of a ranking or scale in terms of height, amount, quality, or importance.

Synonyms

supreme, topmost, uppermost.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
highest

Use when talking about the most elevated point or position in a general sense.

  • She climbed to the highest peak in the mountain range.
  • He achieved the highest score in the exam.
topmost

This is ideal for describing something at the very top of a structure or hierarchy, often in a physical or literal sense.

  • He placed the book on the topmost shelf.
  • The topmost branch of the tree swayed in the wind.
uppermost

Use when referring to the highest position above something else, or something that is most important or prominent.

  • Safety is always uppermost in our minds during the construction project.
  • She reached for the uppermost rung of the ladder.
supreme

Best used when referring to the utmost authority, power, or quality; often used in a formal or respectful manner.

  • The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the country.
  • She displayed supreme confidence throughout the competition.

Examples of usage

  • She reached the highest level in her career.
  • Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
Context #2 | Adverb

degree

To the greatest extent; most.

Synonyms

maximum, peak, utmost.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
highest

Use this word when referring to the top or most elevated point in comparison to other points.

  • She climbed to the highest point of the mountain.
  • This is the highest score anyone has ever received in the exam.
utmost

This word is used to describe the greatest possible effort, importance, or degree, often with an emphasis on the significance or value.

  • Please extend the utmost courtesy to our guests.
  • He gave the project the utmost attention.
maximum

This word is appropriate when discussing the greatest possible amount, level, or degree allowed or achievable.

  • The maximum speed limit on this road is 60 miles per hour.
  • He reached the maximum capacity of the storage.
peak

Use this word to refer to the pointed top of a mountain or the highest point of other things, notably used in contexts of performance or attainment.

  • They reached the peak of the mountain at noon.
  • Her performance at work is at its peak these days.

Examples of usage

  • She performed the highest in the competition.
  • He spoke with the highest authority on the subject.

Translations

Translations of the word "highest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais alto

🇮🇳 सबसे ऊँचा

🇩🇪 höchste

🇮🇩 tertinggi

🇺🇦 найвищий

🇵🇱 najwyższy

🇯🇵 最も高い

🇫🇷 le plus élevé

🇪🇸 más alto

🇹🇷 en yüksek

🇰🇷 가장 높은

🇸🇦 الأعلى

🇨🇿 nejvyšší

🇸🇰 najvyšší

🇨🇳 最高的

🇸🇮 najvišji

🇮🇸 hæsti

🇰🇿 ең биік

🇬🇪 უმაღლესი

🇦🇿 ən yüksək

🇲🇽 más alto

Etymology

The word 'highest' comes from the Middle English word 'heighest', which is a combination of 'heigh' (high) and '-est' (suffix forming the superlative degree of adjectives and adverbs). The concept of being the highest has always been significant in human history, from climbing the highest mountains to achieving the highest level of success. The word represents a universal human aspiration to reach the top and excel in various fields.

See also: high, highbrow, higher, highland, highly, highway.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,211, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.