altitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'altitude' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the height of something, either above sea level or in relation to another point of reference (such as a mountain peak). For example, you could say "We flew at an altitude of 20,000 feet".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

At an altitude of 3,500 metres, it looks down on the Atacama desert, the driest place on earth, and on each side snow-capped volcanic peaks stretch away for hundreds of kilometres to the north and south.

The Guardian - Travel

At 132m, Côte de Wincobank, on Jenkin Road near Meadowhall, north of the city centre, boasts puny altitude when compared with Tour classics like the Col du Galibier in the Alps (2,645m).

The Guardian

I need to descend to a more sensible altitude.

The Guardian - Travel

Wilson, who has been preparing for the Glasgow Games in an altitude tent in Aix Les Bains in France, took the plunge with a flying leap knowing he had to face off against Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and French star Vincent Luis.

The Guardian - Sport

I had run 1 42.12 comfortably at altitude in Africa so I thought it might be possible.

The Guardian - Sport

Only 2 people per shuttle due to high altitude.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He also has the record for the lowest-altitude jump, from the left hand of the giant statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro in 2001.

The Guardian

However, the climb was nowhere near as creepy as the 2,350m top of the Gemmi – a dramatic high-altitude plateau with a sinister edge.

The Guardian - Travel

Near Thimphu, there are a series of picturesque, high-altitude lakes, including Yutsho, known for its golden trout, as well as the famous Tiger's Nest monastery.

The Guardian - Travel

A further study, published in the American Journal of Kidney Disease, found increased levels of kidney damage in El Salvador's hot, low-lying areas but not in its cooler high-altitude sugar plantations, despite similarities in agrochemical use.

The Guardian

The ski-equipped single-propeller Jodel plane had failed to take off from the snowy high-altitude runway near the ski area at Avoriaz.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about aviation or geography, use "altitude" precisely to denote height above a reference point, usually sea level. Provide specific measurements (e.g., feet or meters) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "altitude", which refers to height, with "attitude", which refers to a state of mind or a position in space. Double-check your spelling and context to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "altitude" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the height or elevation of an object or location, usually measured from sea level. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "altitude" is a noun widely used to describe the height of something above a reference point, most commonly sea level. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. It's crucial to differentiate "altitude" from similar words like "attitude" to avoid confusion. Remember to be precise and include units of measurement when discussing "altitude". According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English, making it a valuable term in various descriptive and analytical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elevation above sea level

Specifies the reference point for measuring height.

height above ground

Refers to the distance from the ground to a point.

vertical height

Emphasizes the upward distance.

level above sea

Indicates the position relative to the sea's surface.

flight level

Aviation-specific term for altitude.

relative altitude

Altitude measured in relation to a specific point.

ground elevation

Elevation of the ground surface.

geometric height

Technical term for altitude used in surveying.

standing height

Height measured from feet to top of the head.

height

Generic term indicating vertical distance.

FAQs

How is "altitude" typically measured?

"Altitude" is commonly measured in feet or meters above a reference point, which is usually sea level. It can also be measured relative to the ground or another point of interest.

What's the difference between "altitude" and height?

While both terms refer to vertical distance, "height" is a more general term, whereas "altitude" specifically refers to the height above a reference point like sea level or the ground. You may also be interested in the meaning of "elevation".

How does "altitude" affect the weather?

Generally, temperature decreases with increasing "altitude". This is due to the air being less dense and unable to retain heat as effectively. Higher "altitude" can result in lower air pressure, different wind patterns, and changes in precipitation.

What are some common challenges associated with high "altitude"?

Common challenges include altitude sickness due to lower oxygen levels, increased sun exposure and UV radiation, and difficulty in physical exertion. You can check also the meaning of the expression "altitude sickness" if you are interested.