apex

IPA/ˈeɪ.peks/
KK[ˈepˌɛks]IPA/ˈeɪ.peks/

apex — noun

  • apexsingular
  • apicesplural

1. the point that lies highest on a shape or structure, especially where the sides

1.nounC1
Definition

the point that lies highest on a shape or structure, especially where the sides rise and meet in a narrow top

Example

The climbers tied a flag near the apex of the rocky arch.

the apex of + physical structure

In art class, Sana shaded the apex of the cone last.

Common collocations
  • apex of the arch
  • apex of the roof
  • apex of the cone
  • at the apex
  • near the apex
Synonyms
  • tip

    more everyday; often used for a small pointed end rather than the highest point of a whole structure

  • vertex

    used especially in geometry for the point where lines or edges meet

  • peak

    more common in everyday English, especially for mountains or graphs

Antonyms
  • base

    the lowest supporting part opposite the top point

  • bottom

    the lowest part rather than the highest one

Grammar Patterns

the apex of + object/shape

at the apex of + structure

Usage Note

More formal than everyday 'top' or 'tip'. This sense is common in geometry, design, and descriptive writing about roofs, arches, and pointed forms.

2. the stage at which someone or something reaches its greatest success, influence,

2.nounC1
Definition

the stage at which someone or something reaches its greatest success, influence, or strength

Example

The singer reached the apex of her career after the world tour.

the apex of + career

By 2008, the company was at the apex of its power.

at the apex of + power

Common collocations
  • apex of power
  • apex of one's career
  • apex of popularity
  • reach the apex
  • at the apex
Synonyms
  • peak

    the most neutral everyday choice for a highest stage or level

  • pinnacle

    often suggests an admired final high point in achievement

  • zenith

    more literary and often suggests that decline may follow

Antonyms
  • nadir

    formal opposite meaning the lowest point

  • low point

    everyday phrase for the worst stage

Grammar Patterns

the apex of + career/power

reach the apex of + activity

Usage Note

Used for a highest point on a scale of success or power, not for a literal pointed shape. It often appears with nouns such as 'career', 'power', 'fame', or 'popularity'.

3. the narrow pointed end of a body organ, such as the heart, a lung, or a tooth ro

3.nounC2
Definition

the narrow pointed end of a body organ, such as the heart, a lung, or a tooth root

Example

The scan showed a shadow near the apex of the right lung.

near the apex of + organ

Pain spread from the apex of the tooth into Aya's jaw.

Common collocations
  • apex of the heart
  • apex of the lung
  • apex of the tooth
  • apex of the root
  • near the apex
Synonyms
  • tip

    the everyday equivalent, but less precise in anatomy

  • end

    more general and less exact than the medical term 'apex'

Antonyms
  • base

    the broader attached part opposite the pointed end

Grammar Patterns

the apex of + organ

near/at the apex of + body part

Usage Note

This is an anatomy term used in medical or dental contexts. Distinguish it from sense 1: here the word names the pointed end of a body structure, not the top point of an object or shape.

apex — adjective

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

'Apex' usually sounds more formal than 'peak' and often appears in technical or institutional writing. 'Peak' is the safest everyday word for the highest level of success or activity, while 'pinnacle' often adds admiration, as if the high point is especially impressive. 'Summit' suggests a climb toward a goal and is common in business, politics, or mountains. 'Apex' is the best choice when you want either a pointed literal top or the highest point of power in a system.

apex ↗peak ↗pinnacle ↗summit ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • the apex of
  • reach the apex of
  • at the apex of power
  • near the apex

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinEnglish

From Latin 'apex', a word for a pointed tip or the top part of something. English kept that literal idea for the narrow top of a shape and later extended it to mean the highest stage of success or authority.

First known use

1590

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a