heights
n.-
1 high places (n.) B1 Intermediatehigh places or a great distance above the ground.
high altitudes or elevated positions; often used to describe the physical experience of being far above sea level.
ExampleThe view from the heights of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.
ExampleFrom the dizzying heights of the skyscraper's observation deck, the cars below looked like tiny, colourful insects crawling through a concrete maze.
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2 fear of being high up (n.) B1 Intermediatethe feeling of being afraid when you are in a high place.
a state of fear or vertigo triggered by being at a significant altitude; commonly used with the verb 'have'.
ExampleI don't like rock climbing because I have a terrible fear of heights.
ExampleDespite her lifelong fear of heights, she agreed to take the cable car to the summit to support her friends.
UsageUsually used without an article when referring to the phobia.
- acrophobia
- vertigo
PitfallI am afraid of the heights.I am afraid of heights.When talking about the general fear, do not use the definite article 'the'.
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3 extreme levels (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe highest or most extreme part of a feeling or a period of time.
the point of greatest intensity or the culmination of a particular state or activity.
ExampleThe party reached new heights of excitement when the band started playing.
ExampleThe tension between the two nations reached new heights following the breakdown of diplomatic negotiations in late autumn.
- nadir
- lows
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4 hilly neighbourhood (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate American Englisha name for a part of a city that is built on a hill.
a topographical designation for a residential area or district situated on elevated ground.
ExampleThey moved to a quiet apartment in Washington Heights last year.
ExampleThe historic district, known locally as the Heights, offers panoramic views of the river and the industrial valley below.
UsageOften appears as a proper noun in city district names.