noun
Uncommon
apex
AY-pehks
Apex (noun) means the highest point of something, especially where it comes to a point; the peak or pinnacle. Example: “Climbers reached the apex of the mountain just before sunrise.”
noun
1
The highest point of something, especially where it comes to a point; the peak or pinnacle.
"Drone cameras show that his car reached the apex first."
"Climbers reached the apex of the mountain just before sunrise."
"She was at the apex of her career when she decided to retire."
How to use apex
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe very top or high point of something — a shape, a career, an achievement.
Common mistake
Plural is "apexes" or the more formal "apices" — both are acceptable.
Common pairings
apex of a triangle
apex predator
reach the apex
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Word forms
- Plural
- apices, apexes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Climbers reached the _____ of the mountain just before sunrise.
Etymology
From Latin apex, meaning "point, tip, or summit."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “apex” mean?
The word “apex” means the highest point of something, especially where it comes to a point; the peak or pinnacle. In plain terms, the very top or high point of something — a shape, a career, an achievement.
How do you pronounce “apex”?
“Apex” is pronounced AY-pehks (/ˈeɪ.pɛks/ in IPA).
How do you use “apex” in a sentence?
Here is “apex” used in a sentence: “Climbers reached the apex of the mountain just before sunrise.”
What is another word for “apex”?
Words with a similar meaning to “apex” include acme, zenith, apotheosis, apogee, ascendance and capstone.
What is the opposite of “apex”?
The opposite of “apex” — its antonyms — are bathos, lowest ebb, nadir, slough of despond and trough.
What part of speech is “apex”?
“Apex” is a noun.
Where does the word “apex” come from?
The word “apex” comes from Latin. From Latin apex, meaning "point, tip, or summit.".
Is “apex” a common word?
“Apex” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "apex" and "peak"?
Both words describe the highest point of something, but "apex" is often used more abstractly or technically, such as the apex of a curve, triangle, or career, while "peak" is more commonly associated with physical high points like mountains. In many contexts the two are interchangeable.
What does "apex" mean in geometry?
In geometry, the apex is the highest point of a shape, especially the vertex opposite the base of a triangle, cone, or pyramid, where the sides come together to a point.
What is an "apex predator"?
An apex predator is an animal at the very top of its food chain, with no natural predators of its own, extending the sense of "apex" as the highest point to describe ecological dominance.
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