Hilliest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hilliest
[ˈhɪliɪst ]
Definition
topography description
The term 'hilliest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'hilly', which describes a landscape characterized by many hills. It is commonly used to denote the area with the greatest elevation changes due to hills. In physical geography, hills are defined as raised areas of land, smaller than mountains, which can affect weather patterns, ecosystems, and human activities. When referring to a particular region as the hilliest, it implies that it has the most pronounced hilly terrain compared to other areas. This word is often used in discussions about geography, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty.
Synonyms
mountainous, rugged, undulating.
Examples of usage
- This area is the hilliest in the region.
- They prefer cycling in the hilliest terrains.
- The map showed the hilliest routes to avoid.
- The hilliest landscapes offer great views.
Translations
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Origin of 'hilliest'
The word 'hilly' originates from the Old English word 'hyll', which means hill. The term has evolved over centuries, incorporating various linguistic influences but retaining its core meaning related to elevated terrain. The superlative form 'hilliest' emerged as the English language developed its comparative structures. 'Hilly' has been in use since at least the 14th century, and its superlative form became increasingly common with the growth of descriptive language in geographical discourse. The prefix 'most' is often applied in English to create superlative forms, but for one-syllable adjectives like 'hilly', the 'iest' suffix is regularly used. The evolution of the word reflects the human need to describe diverse landscapes, particularly as societies began to explore, document, and characterize the natural world around them.