Pinnacles: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the highest or culminating points of achievement, development, or existence. Often applied in both literal and metaphorical senses.

• Winning the Nobel Prize is considered one of the pinnacles of scientific achievement.
• The climbers reached the pinnacles of the mountain after a grueling ascent.

Refers to the highest points, especially of mountains or other physical elevations. Can also metaphorically describe the highest or most intense points of something.

• The view from the peak of the mountain is breathtaking.
• Her career reached its peak when she became the CEO of the company.

Primarily refers to the highest points of mountains, but also commonly used to describe high-level meetings or conferences, especially among leaders or officials.

• The team of climbers finally reached the summit after a week of arduous trekking.
• World leaders gathered for a climate change summit to discuss urgent environmental issues.

Typically describes tall, pointed structures, often found on top of buildings, especially churches or cathedrals. Occasionally used to describe sharp peaks of mountains.

• The spire of the cathedral could be seen from miles away.
• The mountain's spire pierces the sky, standing majestically above the valley.

Used to describe the highest point of something, especially in a metaphorical sense, often describing achievements or the most successful point in someone's career.

• Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
• The company reached new pinnacles of success with their latest product launch.

Commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to describe the highest point of something. It's very versatile and can describe physical peaks like mountains as well as the highest points of performance or intensity.

• He climbed to the peak of the mountain.
• His career peaked when he was promoted to CEO.

Used to describe the time at which something is most powerful or successful, often in a more literary or formal sense. It can also refer to the point in the sky directly above the observer.

• The empire was at its zenith during the 15th century.
• She reached the zenith of her popularity after releasing her third album.

Often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe the highest point of something physical, such as a mountain or curve. It can also describe the peak of an event or period.

• At the apex of the mountain, we could see for miles.
• The concert reached its apex during the final performance.