Summit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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summit

[ˈsʌmɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mountain climbing

The highest point of a hill or mountain; the peak.

Synonyms

crest, peak, pinnacle, top.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
summit	Best used when referring to the highest point of a mountain, a meeting of leaders, or the culmination of achievements. They reached the summit of Mount Everest after several weeks of climbing. The world leaders gathered for the economic summit this weekend. Winning the Nobel Prize was the summit of her career.
peak	Commonly used to describe the highest point of a mountain or metaphorically to refer to the highest level of performance or activity. The peak of the mountain was covered in snow. Her athletic career reached its peak when she won the Olympic gold medal.
top	A general term often used to describe the highest part, point, or level of something and can be applied in a wide range of contexts. She placed the book on the top shelf. He was at the top of his class.
crest	Often used to describe the top of a wave, the highest point of something moving, or the top of a hill or ridge. The surfer rode the crest of the wave perfectly. They hiked to the crest of the hill to get a better view.
pinnacle	Used to refer to a high, pointed piece of rock or the highest, most successful point of something, often giving a sense of being at the absolute top. The castle was built on a rocky pinnacle overlooking the valley. His career hit a pinnacle when he was appointed CEO of the company.

Examples of usage

The climbers finally reached the summit after a long and difficult journey.
She gazed out at the breathtaking view from the summit of the mountain.
We enjoyed a picnic at the summit before beginning our descent.
The president will meet with other world leaders at the economic summit.
At the summit, the group discussed strategies for reaching their goal.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

meeting

A formal meeting or conference between high-level officials or leaders.

Synonyms

conference, gathering, meeting, summit meeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
summit	Used for high-level meetings between leaders or important figures, often related to politics or international relations. The world leaders attended a summit to discuss climate change
meeting	Used for a general assembly of people, typically for business, work, or organizational purposes. It's more casual compared to a conference. They called a staff meeting to discuss the new project
conference	Used for formal gatherings, especially those related to business, academics, or professional topics. She presented her research paper at the annual science conference
summit meeting	Similar to 'summit', often emphasizing the formal and high-stakes nature of the event. The summit meeting between the two countries aimed to resolve trade disputes
gathering	Used for informal or social assemblies of people, such as family events or community activities. We had a family gathering to celebrate Grandma's 80th birthday

Examples of usage

The summit between the two countries' leaders was aimed at resolving diplomatic tensions.
The summit of the G7 countries focused on economic cooperation and trade agreements.
The annual summit of the United Nations General Assembly is a key event for global diplomacy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

The summit of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, stands at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.
Famous summits around the world include the Matterhorn in the Alps and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
The elevation of a summit can significantly affect local climate and ecosystems, creating unique environments.

Politics

International summits often involve leaders discussing key issues like climate change, security, and trade.
The G7 and G20 summits are pivotal in shaping global economic policies amongst major economies.
These meetings facilitate dialogue, promote diplomacy, and aim to resolve conflicts or collaboration efforts.

Literature

Summits are often used in literature as metaphors for personal growth, challenges, or epic journeys.
In many adventure tales, reaching the summit symbolizes triumph over adversity or self-discovery.
The concept of the 'hero's journey' often culminates in a metaphorical summit, representing a pivotal moment of change.

Cultural Significance

Summits in culture symbolize achievement, making them popular in art, such as paintings of majestic mountains.
In some cultures, climbing to a summit is a rite of passage or spiritual journey, representing enlightenment.
Festivals and gatherings often take place at summits, celebrating the beauty of nature and human achievement.

Origin of 'summit'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin word 'summitas,' meaning 'the top' or 'summit.'
It was first used in English around the early 15th century, referring to the top of a mountain.
The term has evolved to also describe important meetings or conferences, such as 'political summits.'

The word 'summit' originated from the Middle English word 'sometyme', which means the highest point. It has been used since the 15th century to refer to the top of a mountain or hill. The term 'summit' is often associated with mountain climbing and the idea of reaching the highest point. Over time, it has also come to be used in a metaphorical sense to describe high-level meetings or conferences among leaders.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,741 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5738 transparent
5739 consequent
5740 concealed
5741 summit
5742 slept
5743 fond
5744 charming
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