horizon
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the line in the distance where the sky seems to touch the land or the sea.
the apparent line that separates earth from sky, specifically the circle of the celestial sphere that passes through the observer's eye.
Simple“The sun slowly disappeared below the horizon as we watched from the beach.”
In context“As the ship sailed further into the Atlantic, the coastline vanished, leaving nothing but a flat, unbroken horizon in every direction.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the limit of your ideas, knowledge, or experience.
the limit or range of a person's outlook, experience, interest, or knowledge.
Simple“Traveling to different countries helps to broaden your horizons.”
In context“The university exchange programme was designed to expand the students' cultural horizons by immersing them in a completely foreign academic environment.”
UsageOften used in the plural form 'horizons' when referring to personal growth.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
something that is likely to happen in the near future.
the limit of what is currently possible or visible in terms of future developments.
Simple“There are no major changes on the horizon for our company this year.”
In context“Economists warn that while the current quarter looks stable, several financial challenges are appearing on the horizon for the next fiscal year.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'on the horizon'.
- 04 C1 Advanced
a specific layer of soil or rock that has its own characteristics.
a distinct layer of soil or geological strata with particular physical, chemical, or biological properties.
Simple“The geologists examined the dark horizon of soil to understand the area's history.”
In context“The excavation revealed a distinct ash horizon, providing clear evidence of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago.”
Synonymslayerstratum - 05 C2 Proficiency
a period of time in history where a specific style or culture spread quickly over a large area.
a period of time characterized by a specific set of cultural traits or artifacts spread across a wide geographical area.
Simple“This pottery style marks a specific horizon in the history of the region.”
In context“The spread of these specific bronze tools across the continent defines what archaeologists refer to as a cultural horizon.”
“On Wednesday, he spent hours setting up his mobile gear in a rural spot with a clear view of the horizon so he could livestream , external the eclipse to his followers on YouTube.”
“Astronomer Royal for Scotland Prof Catherine Heymans said: "People in England are worried about having to find a clear view of the western horizon.”
Inherited from Middle English orisonte, orisoun, from Middle French horizon, horizonte, from Old French orisonte, orison, via Latin horizōn, from Ancient Greek ὁρίζων (horízōn), from ὅρος (hóros, “boundary”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.