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zenith

noun/ˈziː.nəθ/

definition

the highest point reached by a celestial or other object

example

The stars reached their zenith in the clear night sky, creating a breathtaking view for all to see.

synonyms
peaksummitpinnacle
word origin — The word 'zenith' comes from the Arabic word 'samt,' meaning 'direction' or 'path,' which passed into Old Spanish as 'cenit.' It was then adopted into Middle English.

TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 142

Set 142 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: zenith, sacrifice, impurity, structure, respite. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. zenith · noun/ˈziː.nəθ/

    the highest point reached by a celestial or other object

    The stars reached their zenith in the clear night sky, creating a breathtaking view for all to see.

    Synonyms: peak, summit, pinnacle

    Origin: The word 'zenith' comes from the Arabic word 'samt,' meaning 'direction' or 'path,' which passed into Old Spanish as 'cenit.' It was then adopted into Middle English.

  2. sacrifice · noun/ˈsækrəˌfaɪs/

    the act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else

    Her decision to take a part-time job was a significant sacrifice for her, as it meant giving up her social life.

    Synonyms: offering, relinquishment, forgoing

    Origin: from Old French 'sacrifice', from Latin 'sacrificium', from 'sacer' (sacred) + 'facere' (to make)

  3. impurity · noun/ɪmˈpjuːr.ɪ.ti/

    the quality or state of being mixed with extraneous or inappropriate elements

    The scientist noted that the impurity in the sample could affect the accuracy of the experiment.

    Synonyms: contamination, adulteration, taint

    Origin: from Middle French 'impurite', from Latin 'impuritas', from 'in-' meaning 'not' + 'purus' meaning 'pure'.

  4. structure · noun/ˈstrʌk.tʃɚ/

    the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex

    The **structural** design of the building allows it to withstand earthquakes.

    Synonyms: framework, organization, arrangement

    Origin: from Latin 'structura' meaning 'a fitting together, building'; related to 'struere' meaning 'to build'

  5. respite · noun/ˈrɛspaɪt/

    a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

    After a long week of intense work, she finally took a much-needed respite to recharge her energy.

    Synonyms: break, relief, intermission

    Origin: from Old French 'respit', from Latin 'respectus', meaning 'a looking back, regard, or consideration'