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Pinnacle: meaning, definitions and examples

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pinnacle

 

[ˈpɪnəkl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mountain climbing

The pinnacle is the highest point of a mountain or rock formation.

Synonyms

crest, peak, summit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pinnacle

Often used to describe the highest point of success, power, or fame, especially in someone's career. It can also refer to the topmost point of a structure or natural formation.

  • Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
  • The climbers reached the pinnacle of the mountain just before sunrise.
summit

Primarily used to describe the highest point of a hill or mountain. It is also popular in the context of meetings or conferences at the highest level, especially between world leaders.

  • They reached the summit of the mountain after several days of climbing.
  • The leaders will meet at the economic summit next week.
peak

Commonly used to describe the highest point of a mountain or hill. It also signifies the highest level of someone's abilities or achievements, and can refer to the highest point in various contexts, like prices or performance.

  • Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.
  • She was at the peak of her career when she decided to retire.
crest

Used to describe the top of a wave, a hill, or a mountain. It can also refer to the highest point reached in a particular situation or condition.

  • Surfers love to ride the crest of the waves.
  • They finally reached the crest of the hill after a long hike.

Examples of usage

  • Reaching the pinnacle of the mountain was a challenging but rewarding experience.
  • She gazed up at the pinnacle, marveling at its sheer height.
Context #2 | Noun

achievement

The pinnacle can also refer to the highest level of success or achievement in a particular field.

Synonyms

acme, apex, zenith.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pinnacle

Used to describe the highest point or the most successful point in a person's career, a mountain, or an achievement.

  • She reached the pinnacle of her career when she became CEO.
  • The climbers finally arrived at the mountain's pinnacle.
apex

Typically used to describe the highest point or top of something, such as an object or a period of time. It can also describe the peak of someone's skills or abilities.

  • The apex of the tree is where the eagles nest.
  • His skill as a pianist reached its apex in his thirties.
zenith

Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe the peak of power, success, or prosperity. It can also describe a point in the sky directly above an observer.

  • The empire reached its zenith during the reign of the great king.
  • As the sun reached its zenith, the heat became unbearable.
acme

Often used in a more formal or literary context to indicate the highest point of excellence or achievement.

  • The novel is considered the acme of his literary career.
  • In its heyday, the company was the acme of the tech industry.

Examples of usage

  • Winning the championship was the pinnacle of his career.
  • Reaching the pinnacle of success requires determination and hard work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'pinnaculum', meaning 'small wing' or 'peak', which reflects its meaning of height.
  • In medieval architecture, a 'pinnacle' referred to a small spire, emphasizing the upward point that towers structures.
  • The transformation into modern English included various usages related to heights in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Literature

  • The term is often used in literature as a metaphor for reaching one's highest potential or ultimate goal.
  • Famous works often depict protagonists reaching their 'pinnacle', symbolizing their greatest success or realization.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often confront their own 'pinnacle' moments leading to significant plot developments.

Science

  • In biology, 'pinnacles' can refer to the peak or prime condition of a species within an ecosystem.
  • Geologically, it can describe the highest point of a rock formation, likened to how a peak is a pinnacle in a mountain.
  • During studies on climate change, scientists may discuss the 'pinnacle' of biodiversity being threatened, illustrating its crucial importance.

Pop Culture

  • In sports, athletes often speak of reaching the 'pinnacle' of their careers, referring to championship victories or personal bests.
  • Video games frequently use the concept of achieving a 'pinnacle' level, where players unlock special abilities or the ultimate challenges.
  • Movies often portray characters who struggle to reach their 'pinnacle', representing the climax or peak conflict in the storyline.

Art

  • Many artists strive for their own 'pinnacle' styles, which are the most refined expressions of their work.
  • The term is used to describe the peak periods in art history, such as the 'pinnacle' of the Renaissance, when innovation flourished.
  • Artistic achievements are often described as 'pinnacles' when they significantly influence cultural movements or shift artistic trends.

Translations

Translations of the word "pinnacle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ápice

🇮🇳 शिखर

🇩🇪 Gipfel

🇮🇩 puncak

🇺🇦 вершина

🇵🇱 szczyt

🇯🇵 頂点 (ちょうてん)

🇫🇷 apogée

🇪🇸 cima

🇹🇷 zirve

🇰🇷 정점 (jeongjeom)

🇸🇦 قمة

🇨🇿 vrchol

🇸🇰 vrchol

🇨🇳 顶点 (dǐngdiǎn)

🇸🇮 vrh

🇮🇸 hámark

🇰🇿 шың

🇬🇪 პიკი

🇦🇿 zirvə

🇲🇽 cima

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,384, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.