Word
horizon
Phoneticshori·zon
US/hɝˈaɪzən/
UK/həɹˈaɪzən/
Definitions
01where sky meets earth
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the line in the distance where the sky seems to touch the land or the sea.
n. the apparent line that separates earth from sky, specifically the circle of the celestial sphere that passes through the observer's eye.
日本語:地平線※
“The sun slowly disappeared below the horizon as we watched from the beach.”
“As the ship sailed further into the Atlantic, the coastline vanished, leaving nothing but a flat, unbroken horizon in every direction.”
02limits of knowledge or interest
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the limit of your ideas, knowledge, or experience.
n. the limit or range of a person's outlook, experience, interest, or knowledge.
“Traveling to different countries helps to broaden your horizons.”
“The university exchange programme was designed to expand the students' cultural horizons by immersing them in a completely foreign academic environment.”
Usage
Often used in the plural form 'horizons' when referring to personal growth.
Synonyms
03future possibilities
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. something that is likely to happen in the near future.
n. the limit of what is currently possible or visible in terms of future developments.
“There are no major changes on the horizon for our company this year.”
“Economists warn that while the current quarter looks stable, several financial challenges are appearing on the horizon for the next fiscal year.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'on the horizon'.
04soil or rock layer
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a specific layer of soil or rock that has its own characteristics.
n. a distinct layer of soil or geological strata with particular physical, chemical, or biological properties.
“The geologists examined the dark horizon of soil to understand the area's history.”
“The excavation revealed a distinct ash horizon, providing clear evidence of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago.”
05archaeological period
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Technical · American English
n. a period of time in history where a specific style or culture spread quickly over a large area.
n. a period of time characterized by a specific set of cultural traits or artifacts spread across a wide geographical area.
“This pottery style marks a specific horizon in the history of the region.”
“The spread of these specific bronze tools across the continent defines what archaeologists refer to as a cultural horizon.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “horizon” in context.
Verb
01. broaden your horizons
“Traveling to different continents is a fantastic way to broaden your horizons and experience new cultures.”
verb + possessive + noun
02. loom on the horizon
“With the deadline fast approaching, several technical challenges began to loom on the horizon.”
verb + prep + noun
03. scan the horizon
“The lookout spent hours scanning the horizon for any sign of land.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. distant horizon
“The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the distant horizon.”
adj + noun
05. ever-expanding horizons
“The digital age has provided students with ever-expanding horizons for research and collaboration.”
adj + noun
Preposition
06. beyond the horizon
“The explorers were eager to discover what lay beyond the horizon of the known world.”
prep + noun
07. on the horizon
“Economists warn that a significant recession may be on the horizon due to rising inflation.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Because the eclipse takes place during the evening, a clear view of the western horizon will be key.” “Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty Images The significance of The Song of Hiawatha, and especially the success of the first part, Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast , is that it opened Coleridge-Taylor’s horizons to the US.” Etymology
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.
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/horizon
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0