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Promontory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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promontory

[หˆprษ’mษ™ntri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

landform

A promontory is a high point of land that juts out into a body of water, such as a peninsula or headland. Promontories are often rocky and provide stunning views of the surrounding area.

Synonyms

cape, headland, point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
promontory

A promontory is a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water, often used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • The castle was built on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea
headland

A headland is a narrow piece of land that sticks out into the sea, often used in geographical and more casual contexts.

  • The lighthouse is situated on the headland to guide ships safely through the harbor
cape

A cape is a piece of land extending into a body of water, usually a sea. It is often used in geographical names and travel contexts.

  • We visited the famous Cape of Good Hope during our trip to South Africa
point

A point is a specific, precise location or place on a map, often used in everyday language and navigation contexts.

  • The trail ends at a scenic point offering panoramic views of the coastline

Examples of usage

  • The lighthouse was built on the promontory to guide ships safely into the harbor.
  • We hiked to the promontory to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Context #2 | Noun

geography

In geography, a promontory is a prominent mass of land that overlooks lower-lying areas. It can also refer to a raised area of land that offers a vantage point for observing the surrounding terrain.

Synonyms

bluff, cliff, outcrop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
promontory

Used to describe a high point of land that juts out into a large body of water; typically more significant in size and may have historical or geographical importance.

  • The lighthouse stood tall on the promontory, guiding ships safely to the harbor.
  • Tourists flocked to the famous promontory to enjoy the panoramic sea views.
outcrop

Used for a rock formation that extends above the surface of the surrounding land. Often used in geological contexts.

  • The geologists studied the ancient fossils embedded in the outcrop.
  • From the top of the outcrop, they had a clear view of the entire valley.
bluff

Refers to a steep cliff or bank, often near a river or the sea, and may also denote a broader, more gentle slope than a cliff. Can sometimes carry negative connotations as it is also a term for deception.

  • They enjoyed a picnic on the grassy bluff overlooking the river.
  • As the storm approached, the fishermen hurriedly pulled their boats away from the bluff to safer waters.
cliff

Describes a steep rock face, especially at the edge of the sea, a river, or a large lake. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • The waves crashed against the base of the towering cliff.
  • Standing on the edge of the cliff, she felt a rush of adrenaline.

Examples of usage

  • The castle was strategically built on the promontory to defend against enemy attacks.
  • The promontory provided a panoramic view of the valley below.

Translations

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

Origin of 'promontory'

The word 'promontory' originated from the Latin word 'promontorium', which means 'forehead' or 'cape'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe elevated landforms jutting out into bodies of water. Promontories have played significant roles in navigation, defense, and natural beauty throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,495, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.