Zenith: meaning, definitions and examples

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zenith

[ˈziːnɪθ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

highest point

The zenith is the point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer. It represents the highest point or peak of something.

Synonyms

apex, peak, summit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
zenith	Used to describe the highest point or state of something, often indicating its peak success or power. It has a literary or poetic tone. His career reached its zenith when he won the Nobel Prize
peak	Describes the highest or most intense point of something. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in sports and performance. The athlete was at his peak during the Olympics
summit	Can refer to the top of a mountain or the highest level of achievement. In a figurative sense, it's often used to describe high-level meetings or discussions. The leaders met at the summit to discuss global issues
apex	Refers to the highest point or culminating point of something. It's often used in a figurative sense and carries a formal tone. At the apex of her influence, she chaired several important committees

Examples of usage

The sun was at its zenith at noon.
He reached the zenith of his career.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative meaning

In a figurative sense, zenith can refer to the highest point or culmination of something, such as success or achievement.

Synonyms

acme, culmination, pinnacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
zenith	Zenith refers to the peak or the highest point of something. It's often used in a more formal or astronomical sense, indicating the peak of an event or career. At the zenith of his career, he was celebrated all over the world. The sun will reach its zenith at noon.
pinnacle	Pinnacle is often used to describe the peak of success or fame, especially in a positive and grand sense. It can also refer literally to a high, pointed piece of rock. Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career. They climbed to the pinnacle of the mountain.
culmination	Culmination implies the final, most important point of something after a long period of development or effort. It is often used in contexts involving progress or processes. Their marriage was the culmination of years of friendship. This award is the culmination of his years of dedication to the arts.
acme	Acme is used to describe the highest point of achievement or development, often in a very specific or technical field. This novel is considered the acme of her literary career. The acme of his engineering skills was showcased in this project.

Examples of usage

She reached the zenith of her artistic career.
The company's profits reached their zenith last year.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

astronomy

In astronomy, zenith refers to the point in the sky that is directly above an observer and is opposite the nadir.

Synonyms

zenith point, zenithal point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
zenith	Use this word to describe the highest or most successful point in time for something, often in a metaphorical or figurative sense. At the zenith of his career, he was the most sought-after actor in Hollywood. The company reached its zenith in the 1990s before beginning to decline.
zenith point	This phrase is often used in a more specific or technical context, such as science or astronomy, to describe the exact highest point directly above an observer. During the solar eclipse, the sun reached its zenith point, casting the smallest shadow. Astronomers measure the zenith point to determine the position of celestial bodies.
zenithal point	This term is rarely used in everyday speech and is typically employed in technical or academic contexts, such as in meteorology or astronomy. The zenithal point is crucial for calculating the angle of the sun's rays during a study of solar radiation. In meteorology, the zenithal point helps in understanding the intensity of solar insolation on Earth's surface.

Word

Description / Examples

zenith

Use this word to describe the highest or most successful point in time for something, often in a metaphorical or figurative sense.

At the zenith of his career, he was the most sought-after actor in Hollywood.
The company reached its zenith in the 1990s before beginning to decline.

zenith point

This phrase is often used in a more specific or technical context, such as science or astronomy, to describe the exact highest point directly above an observer.

During the solar eclipse, the sun reached its zenith point, casting the smallest shadow.
Astronomers measure the zenith point to determine the position of celestial bodies.

zenithal point

This term is rarely used in everyday speech and is typically employed in technical or academic contexts, such as in meteorology or astronomy.

The zenithal point is crucial for calculating the angle of the sun's rays during a study of solar radiation.
In meteorology, the zenithal point helps in understanding the intensity of solar insolation on Earth's surface.

Examples of usage

The stars are visible at the zenith during the night.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Zenith' comes from the Arabic phrase 'samt al-ras', which means 'direction of the head'.
In medieval times, the word was adopted into Old French, which slowly evolved into its current English form.
The concept originally related to astronomy, indicating the point directly above an observer in the sky.

Astronomy

In astronomy, the zenith is the point in the sky directly above an observer, contrasting with the nadir, which is directly below.
During the summer solstice, the sun can reach its zenith at noon, appearing directly overhead in tropical regions.
Celestial navigation often involves determining the zenith to accurately locate positions on Earth.

Philosophy

The zenith of a person's life can reflect the peak of their achievements or happiness, often used in discussions about life goals.
Eastern philosophies often associate the zenith with enlightenment or peak understanding in a spiritual journey.
The term is sometimes referenced in literature to signify characters reaching their highest potential.

Pop Culture

In songs and films, the concept of zenith often relates to characters reaching their peak or climax, illustrating emotional high points.
Video games may use 'zenith' to describe powerful abilities or quests that represent a character’s highest achievements.
The term frequently appears in branding, suggesting that a product or service is the best of its kind.

Science

In meteorology, the zenith can affect observations of humidity and temperature at different altitudes.
The concept is applied in various scientific fields to denote peak performance, such as the zenith of technology development.
In physics, understanding zenith points helps astronomers calculate gravitational effects at different celestial locations.

Translations

Translations of the word "zenith" in other languages:

🇵🇹 zênite

🇮🇳 शीर्ष

🇩🇪 Zenit

🇮🇩 puncak

🇺🇦 зеніт

🇵🇱 zenit

🇯🇵 天頂 (てんちょう)

🇫🇷 zénith

🇪🇸 cenit

🇹🇷 zirve

🇰🇷 정점

🇸🇦 ذروة

🇨🇿 zenit

🇸🇰 zenit

🇨🇳 顶点 (dǐngdiǎn)

🇸🇮 zenit

🇮🇸 hápunktur

🇰🇿 зеніті

🇬🇪 ზენიტი

🇦🇿 zenit

🇲🇽 cenit

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,430, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14427 cramped
14428 skiing
14429 tramp
14430 zenith
14431 aspiring
14432 stiffened
14433 alum
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