elevation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the height of a place above the level of the sea.
the vertical distance of a point or object above a reference datum, typically mean sea level.
Simple“The map shows that the city is at an elevation of 2,000 metres.”
In context“At this extreme elevation, the oxygen levels are significantly lower, making physical exertion difficult for those not acclimatised to the mountain air.”
Usageoften used in geographical or technical contexts regarding terrain.
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a piece of ground that is higher than the area around it.
a raised area of land or a physical eminence.
Simple“From a slight elevation in the park, you can see the whole harbour.”
In context“The fortress was strategically positioned on a natural elevation, providing the defenders with a clear line of sight across the surrounding plains.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
a drawing that shows one side of a building as if you are looking straight at it.
an orthographic projection of the exterior or interior faces of a building onto a vertical plane.
Simple“The architect showed us the front elevation of our new house.”
In context“The planning committee requested a detailed north elevation to assess how the proposed extension would affect the privacy of the neighbouring property.”
Usagedistinguished from a 'plan', which is a top-down view.
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the act of moving someone to a higher rank or more important position.
the advancement of a person to a higher rank, status, or position of power.
Simple“Her elevation to the board of directors surprised many of her colleagues.”
In context“His sudden elevation to the peerage was seen by political commentators as a reward for years of loyal service to the party.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
the angle of an object above the horizon.
the angular distance of a celestial body or a projectile above the horizon.
Simple“The telescope was set at a sixty-degree elevation to track the star.”
In context“The artillery officer calculated the required elevation for the cannon to ensure the shell would clear the ridge and strike the intended target.”
“Forecasters said higher elevations on the island, dominated by the towering Mauna Kea volcano, could get as much as 35 in (89 cm ) of rain.”
“Higher elevations on the Big Island could see as much as 63.5 centimetres (25 inches).”
From Old French elevation, from Latin elevatio, equal to elevate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.