Pinnacled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pinnacled
[ˈpɪnə.kəld ]
Definition
geographical feature
Pinnacled refers to something that has a peak or a pointed top. This term is often used to describe mountains or rock formations that rise sharply to a point, resembling a pinnacle. The term can evoke a sense of height and grandeur. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe a high point in achievement or success.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The pinnacled mountain dominated the skyline.
- We reached the pinnacled summit after a long climb.
- The architectural design featured a pinnacled roof.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In poetry, reaching a 'pinnacle' often symbolizes achieving one's greatest potential or ambition.
- Shakespeare frequently used height as a metaphor for power, with characters 'pinnacled' in authority or success.
- Many authors describe a character's journey to the 'pinnacle' as a transformative process, reflecting on struggles and triumphs.
Philosophy
- The pinnacle can represent the ultimate goal of one's life or endeavors, often associated with self-actualization.
- In Eastern philosophies, reaching the 'pinnacle' may symbolize enlightenment or ultimate truth.
- Discussions of hierarchy often use the concept of a pinnacle to describe the highest levels of existence or understanding.
Environment
- In ecology, 'pinnacled' landscapes refer to mountain ranges that define ecosystems, illustrating biodiversity at higher altitudes.
- Geological formations like 'pinnacle' peaks often indicate specific types of land erosion and weather patterns.
- Certain species thrive in 'pinnacled' environments, adapting to the unique conditions found at high altitudes.
Origin of 'pinnacled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'pinnacle' comes from the Latin 'pinnaculum,' which means a small wing or peak.
- In architecture, a pinnacle is often an ornamental feature atop a building, emphasizing its height.
- The term was used in the 14th century to describe the highest point of a structure, linking the idea of height to success or achievement.
The word 'pinnacled' originates from the Middle English term 'pinacle', which is derived from the Old French 'pinnacle', a diminutive form of 'pin', meaning 'a point or a spike'. This relates closely to its Latin root 'pinna', meaning 'feather' or 'wing', which alludes to the pointed shape often associated with feathers. The evolution of the word reflects its usage in describing not only physical structures but also metaphoric peaks in success or prominence. It began to be used in English around the 14th century and has since been used in various contexts, especially in literature and geographical discussions.