zenith

[zee-nith, zen-ith]

noun

1. the point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position or observer.

   Antonyms: nadir

2. a highest point or state; culmination.

   Synonyms: summit, apex
   Antonyms: nadir

zenith

/ ˈziːnɪθ, ˈzɛnɪθ /

noun

1. astronomy the point on the celestial sphere vertically above an observer

2. the highest point; peak; acme

   the zenith of someone's achievements

zenith

1. The point on the celestial sphere that is directly above the observer (90 degrees above the celestial horizon).

2. Compare nadir

Other Word Forms

• zenithal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zenith¹

1350–1400; Middle English cenith < Medieval Latin < Old Spanish zenit, scribal error for zemt < Arabic samt road, incorrectly read as senit by medieval scribes (compare Arabic samt ar-rās road above (over) one's head, the opposite of nadir )

Word History and Origins

Origin of zenith¹

C17: from French cenith, from Medieval Latin, from Old Spanish zenit, based on Arabic samt, as in samt arrās path over one's head, from samt way, path + al the + rās head

Example Sentences

The operation reached a controversial zenith in July when scores of troops on horseback wearing tactical gear and driving armored vehicles, rolled through MacArthur Park.

From Los Angeles Times

All of which is to say, call “it” what you will — fascism; right-wing authoritarianism; the logical zenith of 21st century American conservatism — it has already happened here.

From Salon

As slavery reached the zenith of its power, abolitionists would destroy the white consensus upon which it depended.

From Salon

At their commercial zenith, they went on hiatus.

From Los Angeles Times

The zenith of that new-found vulnerability came at arguably the pinnacle of her career.

From BBC