Summit

Definition

Summit refers to the highest point or part, especially the top of a mountain or the highest level of a hierarchy.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌmɪt/
• Respelling: SUM-it (with "SUM" as in "sum" and "it" as in "bit")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌmɪt/
• Respelling: SUM-it (similar to American English, with "SUM" as in "sum" and "it" like in "bit")

In both dialects, "summit" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SUM." The pronunciation of "summit" is consistent between American and British English, reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The term "summit" is derived from the Old French word sommet, which in turn comes from the Late Latin summum, a noun use of the neuter of Latin summus 'highest'. The transition in meaning from a high point to a metaphorical or physical peak embodies the apex or pinnacle quality represented by the term.

Derivatives

• Summitry
• Summitless
• Summital
• Pre-summit
• Summit meeting

Synonyms

• Peak
• Apex
• Pinnacle

Antonyms

• Base
• Bottom
• Nadir

Usage

The word "summit" can refer to the highest point of a physical structure like a mountain or a metaphorical high point in a hierarchical structure. It's also used in diplomatic contexts to refer to high-level meetings between leaders of nations.

Related Terms

• Acme
• Zenith
• Climax

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Top Point: The highest point or part of a mountain or hill, typically tapering in a conical shape.‍
• Example: The mountaineers felt a sense of triumph as they reached the summit.

• Highest Level: The highest attainable level of achievement.‍
• Example: Reaching the summit of one's career often takes years of hard work and perseverance.

• High-level Meeting:A meeting or series of meetings between high-ranking officials of different governments.‍
• Example: The summit between the two nations resulted in significant agreements.

Verb

• Reach the Top: To reach the top of a mountain or hill.‍
• Example: The team successfully summitted the mountain despite the harsh weather conditions.