Langimage
English

zenith

|ze/nith|

C1

/ˈziː.nɪθ/

highest point

Etymology
Etymology Information

'zenith' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'samt,' where 'samt ar-ra's' meant 'path (over the head)'.

Historical Evolution

'samt' transformed into the Old French word 'cenith,' and eventually became the modern English word 'zenith'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'path over the head,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'highest point or peak'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the highest point reached by a celestial or other object.

The sun was well past its zenith.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

the time at which something is most powerful or successful.

The empire was at its zenith during the 16th century.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35