ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crowning

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɹaʊnɪŋ// UK //kɹˈaʊnɪŋ// crown·ing

adj. describing the best or most important part of something that has already been successful. It is like the final prize at the end of a long journey.

adj. representing the greatest or most significant achievement in a series of events. Typically used attributively to describe a final, climactic success.


SIMPLE

Winning the gold medal was the crowning moment of her career.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect considered the new library to be the crowning achievement of his forty-year professional life.

COMPLEX

After decades of diplomatic tension, the signing of the peace treaty served as the crowning glory of the administration's foreign policy efforts.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English crowninge, crounende, equivalent to crown + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English crouninge, crounynge, coroning, coronyng, equivalent to crown + -ing.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'achievement', 'moment', or 'glory'.

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