apex
- 01 C1 Advanced
the top or highest part of something, especially when it forms a point.
the vertex or highest point of a physical structure, such as a mountain, building, or geometric shape.
Simple“The climbers finally reached the apex of the mountain just before noon.”
In context“The architect designed the roof so that its apex would align perfectly with the position of the North Star during the winter solstice.”
UsageOften used with 'of' to describe the top of a specific structure.
- 02 C1 Advanced
the most successful or powerful part of a career, life, or story.
the figurative peak or climax of a career, historical period, or developmental process.
Simple“Winning the world championship was the apex of her sporting career.”
In context“Historians often debate whether the empire reached its apex during the third century or if its decline had already begun by then.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
the highest level of a system, such as the top of the food chain.
the highest position in a hierarchical system or ecological structure.
Simple“As an apex predator, the lion has no natural enemies in the wild.”
In context“The study examines how the removal of an apex predator can cause a collapse in the lower levels of the local ecosystem.”
UsageFrequently used as a modifier in the phrase 'apex predator'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
the point in a corner where a racing car is closest to the inside edge.
the point in a curve or corner where a vehicle is closest to the inside edge of the track, allowing for maximum speed.
Simple“The driver missed the apex of the turn and lost several seconds.”
In context“Mastering the ability to hit the apex consistently is what separates professional racing drivers from amateurs on this technical circuit.”
Synonymsclipping point
Usage apex predators
“Bergman’s film – regarded as the apex of psychological experimentalism on screen – is trickier to pull off on stage.”
Borrowed from Latin apex (“point, tip, summit”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.