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Pinnacle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'pinnacle'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'pinnacle' originated from the Old French word 'pinacle', which in turn came from the Late Latin 'pinaculum', meaning small wing, gable. The concept of a pinnacle as the highest point has been associated with achievement and mountain climbing, symbolizing reaching the peak or summit of something.

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.