zenith

[ zee-nithor, especially British, zen-ith ]

noun

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

   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

/ zē′nĭth /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈzenithal, 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

But it was at Notts County where he reached his zenith, scoring regularly before his cup final heroics at Goodison Park.

From BBC

This also coincided with the zenith of the American middle class and corporations doing well, often locally owned, with millions employed in well-paying jobs ranging from banking to manufacturing.

From Seattle Times

The puppet designer James Ortiz’s contributions reach a captivating zenith in the “Christmas Star” finale of Part 1.

From New York Times

We can only hope the next one will hit a triumphant zenith that isn’t entirely imaginary.

From Salon

After its explosive growth from a regional subculture to a multimillion-dollar international industry, hip-hop was at a zenith.

From Los Angeles Times