Word
climactic
Phoneticscli·mac·tic, stress on the second syllable
US/kɫaɪˈmæktɪk/
UK/klaɪmˈæktɪk/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The final match was the climactic moment of the season.”
“The film builds up to a climactic scene where the hero finally defeats the villain.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“The climactic final scene switched between a series of faces as we waited to see which of the famous faithful would...” Etymology
From climax + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/climactic