Height

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /haɪt/

Definitions

1. The measurement of how tall something or someone is from base to top.
2. The highest point or peak of something.
3. The degree of advancement or excellence.
4. A high level of intensity or extreme development of a state or condition.

Usage Examples

• "The height of the building is 100 meters."
• "She is afraid of heights."
• "At the height of his career, he was a world champion."
• "The debate reached a new height of intensity."

Etymology

Derived from Old English hēhthu (meaning "high place" or "top"), related to the word "high." Over time, the word evolved into Middle English heithe before settling into its modern form.

Synonyms

• Altitude
• Elevation
• Peak
• Summit

Antonyms

• Depth
• Low point
• Bottom

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /haɪt/
• American English: /haɪt/
• Australian English: /haɪt/

Historical Usage

In older English literature, "height" was sometimes spelled as "highth," but the modern form has been in use since Middle English. It has been used metaphorically to represent the pinnacle of something (e.g., "the height of wisdom").

Cultural Nuances

The word "height" is commonly used in phrases such as "the height of fashion," meaning the most advanced state of a trend, or "heights of success," symbolizing achievement.

More Information

The concept of height has played a significant role in various fields such as architecture, aviation, and sports. It also has psychological implications, as some individuals suffer from acrophobia, a fear of heights. Additionally, in figurative language, height is often used to denote success, prestige, or excellence.