zenith

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Dictionary definition of zenith

The period of time when something is at its most powerful or successful.
"She was appointed prima ballerina assoluta and was at the zenith of her performing art."

Detailed meaning of zenith

It can also refer to the point in the sky directly above an observer, or the time at which something is at its highest or most advanced point. For example, you might describe a mountain as being at its zenith when it is at its highest point, or describe a person's career as being at its zenith when they have reached the pinnacle of success. The word can also be used more broadly to describe the highest point or peak of any kind of achievement, development, or progress.

Example sentences containing zenith

1. Music reached its zenith in the nineteen ninetees, just before the invention of the ipod.
2. The Roman Empire reached its zenith approximately the year 117 CE.
3. Even at the zenith of his love for his wife, he was was regularly engaging in extra marital affairs.
4. At its zenith in 1922, the British empire was the largest empire the world had ever seen, covering around a quarter of Earth's land surface.
5. She was young, beautiful and at the zenith of her powers.
6. He was smart, successful and at the zenith of his powers.

History and etymology of zenith

The noun 'zenith' has its etymological origins in Arabic and medieval Latin. It comes from the Arabic word 'سمت الرأس' (samt ar-ra's), which means 'the path over the head.' This term was used in the context of celestial navigation, referring to the highest point in the sky directly above an observer. In medieval Latin, it was transliterated as 'zenith,' and its meaning expanded to denote not only the point in the sky but also the metaphorical concept of the highest point or culmination of something. Therefore, when we refer to a period of time as being at its 'zenith,' we are drawing upon the historical association of the term with the highest point in the heavens, signifying a time when something is at its most powerful, successful, or accomplished.

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Further usage examples of zenith

1. The mountain was at its zenith, towering over the surrounding landscape.
2. The company's success reached its zenith in the late 1990s.
3. The singer's career was at its zenith when she won the Grammy award.
4. The city was at the zenith of its power and prosperity during the Renaissance.
5. The sun was at its zenith in the sky, directly overhead.
6. The plane flew at its zenith, reaching an altitude of 35,000 feet.
7. The artist's talent reached its zenith with his masterpiece, "The Starry Night."
8. The scientist's contributions to the field were at their zenith when she won the Nobel prize.
9. The athlete's career was at its zenith when he won the gold medal.
10. The popularity of the band was at its zenith when they released their hit single.
11. The tree was at its zenith, reaching a height of over 100 feet.
12. The relationship was at its zenith when they got engaged.
13. Her career reached its zenith when she won the prestigious award.
14. The team's victory in the championship marked the zenith of their season.
15. The company's profits reached their zenith under his leadership.
16. At the zenith of his popularity, he had millions of fans.
17. The artist's creativity was at its zenith during that period.
18. The stock market hit its zenith before the economic downturn.
19. The empire's influence extended far and wide at its zenith.
20. Her beauty and talent were at their zenith in her youth.
21. The political party's power peaked at the zenith of their campaign.
22. The musician's career took off, reaching its zenith with a platinum album.
23. The technology company's innovations propelled it to its zenith.
24. The dynasty's reign reached its zenith during a time of prosperity.