summit
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the highest point of a mountain or hill.
n.the topmost point or physical apex of a mountain, hill, or similar landform.
Simple“After six hours of climbing, the hikers finally reached the snowy summit.”
In context“The climbers were forced to turn back just three hundred metres from the summit due to deteriorating weather conditions and low oxygen.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an important meeting between the leaders of different countries.
n.a formal assembly or gathering of heads of state or high-ranking government officials to discuss matters of international importance.
Simple“The world leaders met at the climate summit to discuss new environmental laws.”
In context“The emergency summit was convened to address the escalating trade dispute between the two neighbouring economic powers.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.the highest level of achievement or the best part of something.
n.the figurative highest point of development, achievement, or status.
Simple“Winning the championship was the summit of her professional career.”
In context“For many composers, completing a full-scale opera represents the summit of their artistic ambition.”
Teacher's tipThis figurative use is more common in formal writing or journalism than in everyday conversation.
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to reach the very top of a mountain.
v.to reach the summit of a mountain; used both transitively and intransitively.
Simple“Only a few people in the group managed to summit the peak that day.”
In context“The expedition team successfully summited before noon, allowing them enough daylight to begin the treacherous descent.”
UsageCommonly used in mountaineering contexts; can take a direct object or be used alone.
Teacher's tipWhile the noun is common, using 'summit' as a verb is specific to climbing culture and may sound technical or jargon-heavy to others.
“In October 2023, he is killed by an avalanche while assisting a mountaineer who was racing to become the first American woman to summit the same 14 peaks as Harila.”