ENGLISH
REFERENCE

elevation

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɛɫəˈveɪʃən// UK //ˌɛlɪvˈeɪʃən// el·e·va·tion Archaic

n. the height of a place above sea level. It can also mean a drawing that shows what one side of a building looks like.

n. the height of a geographic location above a fixed reference point, typically sea level. In architecture, a scale drawing of the side, front, or rear of a structure.


SIMPLE

The city sits at a high elevation in the mountains.

CONTEXTUAL

Hikers often experience shortness of breath at this elevation because the air contains less oxygen.

COMPLEX

The architect submitted a detailed front elevation to the planning committee to demonstrate how the new facade would integrate with the existing historical streetscape.

Synonyms
Origin

From Old French elevation, from Latin elevatio, equal to elevate + -ion.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general concept of height; countable when referring to specific architectural drawings or specific measurements.

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