apex
To reach the highest point, peak, or climax of a movement or process. In technical contexts like racing, it refers to the act of reaching the innermost point of a curve or the highest point of a trajectory.
Examples
3 of 5The hiker felt a sense of accomplishment as he began to apex the final ridge of the mountain.
The hiker felt a sense of accomplishment as he began to apex the final ridge of the mountain.
The historical analysis suggests that the empire started to apex during the reign of the fifth emperor.
The historical analysis suggests that the empire started to apex during the reign of the fifth emperor.
Check out how that driver apexes the turn; his timing is absolutely perfect.
Check out how that driver apexes the turn; his timing is absolutely perfect.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize the letter 'A'—the 'apex' is the very top point where the two lines meet. It's the 'A-peak'.
Quick Quiz
The professional racer managed to ___ the curve so smoothly that he gained two seconds on his rival.
Correct!
The correct answer is: apex
Examples
The hiker felt a sense of accomplishment as he began to apex the final ridge of the mountain.
everydayThe hiker felt a sense of accomplishment as he began to apex the final ridge of the mountain.
The historical analysis suggests that the empire started to apex during the reign of the fifth emperor.
formalThe historical analysis suggests that the empire started to apex during the reign of the fifth emperor.
Check out how that driver apexes the turn; his timing is absolutely perfect.
informalCheck out how that driver apexes the turn; his timing is absolutely perfect.
The trajectory of the projectile will apex at approximately forty meters before descending.
academicThe trajectory of the projectile will apex at approximately forty meters before descending.
We expect our quarterly growth to apex in December due to the holiday shopping surge.
businessWe expect our quarterly growth to apex in December due to the holiday shopping surge.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
reaching the apex
reaching the apex
at the apex of power
at the apex of power
hitting the apex
hitting the apex
Often Confused With
Vertex is strictly used in geometry for the meeting point of lines, while apex is more common for general peaks or the high point of a curve in racing.
An axis is an imaginary line around which something rotates, whereas an apex is a single highest point.
Usage Notes
While 'apex' is most commonly a noun, its use as a verb is highly specialized in motorsports (driving through a corner) and sometimes in describing mathematical or physical trajectories.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'apex' only as a noun and may find it strange to use it as a verb; however, it is standard in technical and sports commentary.
Memory Tip
Visualize the letter 'A'—the 'apex' is the very top point where the two lines meet. It's the 'A-peak'.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'apex', meaning 'summit, peak, tip, or the top of a helmet'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The term is frequently used in 'apex predator' to describe animals at the top of the food chain, reflecting a cultural obsession with hierarchy and dominance.
Quick Quiz
The professional racer managed to ___ the curve so smoothly that he gained two seconds on his rival.
Correct!
The correct answer is: apex
Related Words
consequent
C2In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.
administrate
B2To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.
administrative
C1Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.
assistant
C2A person who ranks below a senior professional and aids them in their duties, often handling specialized tasks or administrative burdens. In a professional or academic context, an assistant often possesses significant expertise but operates under the direction of a superior to facilitate complex operations.
commissioner
C1A high-ranking official who is in charge of a government department, a public organization, or a professional sports league. This person is typically appointed to exercise administrative authority or to oversee a specific commission or set of regulations.
computer
C1A sophisticated electronic device designed to store, retrieve, and process data through programmed instructions. In modern discourse, it encompasses everything from microprocessors in appliances to high-performance servers facilitating global networks.
conclusion
C2A final judgment, decision, or opinion reached by reasoning after considering all evidence and facts. It also refers to the final part of a piece of writing or a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing statement.
consume
C1To consume means to use up a resource, such as energy, time, or goods, or to eat and drink something. In academic contexts, it often refers to the utilization of information, products, or services by individuals or groups within an economy or social system.
design
C1A detailed plan or scheme that outlines the functional and aesthetic features of an object or system before it is made. In an academic context, it refers to the deliberate structure or methodology of a study or process designed to achieve specific outcomes.
consumer
B2A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free