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horizon

n.
US //hɝˈaɪzən// UK //həɹˈaɪzən// hori·zon
  1. 1 where sky meets earth (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The sun slowly disappeared below the horizon as we watched from the beach.

    Example

    As the ship sailed further into the Atlantic, the coastline vanished, leaving nothing but a flat, unbroken horizon in every direction.
  2. 2 limits of knowledge or interest (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the limit of your ideas, knowledge, or experience.

    the limit or range of a person's outlook, experience, interest, or knowledge.

    Example

    Traveling to different countries helps to broaden your horizons.

    Example

    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.
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  1. 3 future possibilities (n.)
    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.

    Example

    There are no major changes on the horizon for our company this year.

    Example

    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'.
  2. 4 soil or rock layer (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    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.

    Example

    The geologists examined the dark horizon of soil to understand the area's history.

    Example

    The excavation revealed a distinct ash horizon, providing clear evidence of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago.
  3. 5 archaeological period (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical American English Law

    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.

    Example

    This pottery style marks a specific horizon in the history of the region.

    Example

    The spread of these specific bronze tools across the continent defines what archaeologists refer to as a cultural horizon.
Origin

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”).

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