zenith

/ˈzinɪθ/

/ˈzenɪθ/

Other forms: zeniths

Zenith means the high point — it comes from astronomy, where it describes the highest point in an arc traveled by a star or a planet or another celestial body. The sun reaches its zenith when it is as high in the sky as it is going to go on that day.

Zenith — and its opposite, nadir — have been appropriated by non-astronomers and are used to describe high and low points in non-astronomical contexts. For example, you can say that the high school quarterback hit his zenith in high school, and it was all downhill from there. Do yourself a favor and try to delay your zenith so you'll have something to look forward to in your future!

Definitions of zenith

1. noun

   the highest point (of something)
   synonyms: acme, apex, peak, vertex

   types:

   crown

   the part of a hat (the vertex) that covers the crown of the head

   roof peak

   the highest point of a roof

   type of:

   extreme, extreme point, extremum

   the point located farthest from the middle of something
2. noun

   the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
   antonyms:

   nadir

   the point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected

   type of:

   celestial point

   a point in the heavens (on the celestial sphere)
3. noun

   the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
   synonyms: acme, elevation, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, superlative, tiptop, top

   type of:

   degree, level, point, stage

   a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series or especially in a process