English Reference
Adjective

climactic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /kɫaɪˈmæktɪk/ UK /klaɪmˈæktɪk/ cli·mac·tic

adj.happening at the most exciting or important moment of a story or event. It is the part where everything reaches its peak.

adj.occurring at the highest point of intensity or importance in a sequence of events. Often used to describe the final, decisive moment of a narrative or performance.


SIMPLE

The final match was the climactic moment of the season.

CONTEXTUAL

The film builds up to a climactic scene where the hero finally defeats the villain.

COMPLEX

The summit meeting was the climactic event of the decade, bringing together world leaders to sign a treaty that would end decades of regional conflict.


From climax + -ic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated