Peaks: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used to describe the highest points of mountains in general, and it can also be used metaphorically to talk about the highest or most successful points in a non-physical sense.

• The peaks of the Himalayas are covered with snow year-round.
• She reached the peak of her career at a young age.

This term is usually used in a formal context to describe the highest points of mountains. It can also refer to high-level meetings between leaders.

• The expedition team finally reached the summit of Mount Everest.
• The world leaders are meeting at the G7 summit.

This is used specifically to refer to the very tops of mountains and is often employed in more casual or everyday contexts to highlight the actual location more simply.

• From the mountain tops, you can see for miles.
• Climbers often rest when they reach the mountain top.

Often used to refer to the highest points in terms of physical geography or metaphorically to describe the highest moments or stages in various contexts such as careers, performance, or emotions.

• He reached the peak of the mountain after a strenuous climb
• Her career peaked when she won the award

Used to describe the most memorable or most successful moments in a series of events or in a person's life. It often has a positive connotation.

• Graduating from university was one of the high points of his life

Typically used in scientific, mathematical, or technical contexts to denote the highest value achieved within a specific range or dataset.

• The experiment recorded a maximum value of 150 degrees Celsius
• The function reaches its maximum value at x = 3

Used to describe the highest or most successful point in a career or achievement, often after a significant amount of effort. It has a formal or grandiose tone.

• Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her scientific career

Use 'peaks' to talk about the highest points in a range of mountains or metaphorically to describe when something reaches its highest level over time.

• The mountain peaks are covered with snow.
• Sales peaked during the holiday season.

Use 'reach a climax' in contexts involving the most intense or exciting point in a story, situation, or event.

• The movie reached a climax with the big showdown.
• The argument reached a climax when both parties started shouting.

Use 'hit a peak' to convey that something has reached its highest point; this phrase is often used in spoken language and informal writing.

• The stock prices hit a peak last month.
• Her career hit a peak when she won the award.

Use 'culminate' in formal contexts to describe an event or series of events leading to a final point or climax.

• The festivities will culminate in a grand fireworks display.
• Years of research culminated in a groundbreaking discovery.