Word
apex
US/ˈeɪˌpɛks/
UK/ˈeɪpɛks/
Definitions
01highest physical point
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the top or highest part of something, especially when it forms a point.
n. the vertex or highest point of a physical structure, such as a mountain, building, or geometric shape.
“The climbers finally reached the apex of the mountain just before noon.”
“The architect designed the roof so that its apex would align perfectly with the position of the North Star during the winter solstice.”
Usage
Often used with 'of' to describe the top of a specific structure.
02highest level of success
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the most successful or powerful part of a career, life, or story.
n. the figurative peak or climax of a career, historical period, or developmental process.
“Winning the world championship was the apex of her sporting career.”
“Historians often debate whether the empire reached its apex during the third century or if its decline had already begun by then.”
Antonyms
03top of a hierarchy
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical · Academic
n. the highest level of a system, such as the top of the food chain.
n. the highest position in a hierarchical system or ecological structure.
“As an apex predator, the lion has no natural enemies in the wild.”
“The study examines how the removal of an apex predator can cause a collapse in the lower levels of the local ecosystem.”
Usage
Frequently used as a modifier in the phrase 'apex predator'.
04racing line
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Sports Technical
n. the point in a corner where a racing car is closest to the inside edge.
n. the point in a curve or corner where a vehicle is closest to the inside edge of the track, allowing for maximum speed.
“The driver missed the apex of the turn and lost several seconds.”
“Mastering the ability to hit the apex consistently is what separates professional racing drivers from amateurs on this technical circuit.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Bergman’s film – regarded as the apex of psychological experimentalism on screen – is trickier to pull off on stage.” “With the Japanese industry at its apex, the riches of five decades of imaginative labours poured into the country.” “An unknown country road just 20 years ago, the route is becoming a destination for motorcyclists, gearheads and those who find adrenaline in the g-forces of an apex turn.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin apex (“point, tip, summit”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. base over apex
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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