apex

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "apex" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "highest or most extreme" or "best or most perfect." For example: "The summit of the mountain was the apex of the hikers' journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It is that thing that is so distant, it's the pinnacle, it's the apex, to be able to celebrate same love.

The Guardian - Music

Anwar's long-running legal battle over a sodomy charge – brought against him by a former aide in 2008 – ended on Tuesday, when he was jailed for five years by Malaysia's apex federal court.

The Guardian

Runner-up: Bizarre for the sheer editorial absurdity that the most watched televisual spectacle of the millennium would need to be modified for its audience, Grazia's royal wedding cover featured what most would consider Photoshop's apex of pointlessness: a slimmer Kate Middleton.

The Guardian - Arts

I did, however, regard them as mementoes of an apex in my professional life, unlikely to be exceeded.

The Guardian - Arts

The only adequate response to the crisis is a fundamental questioning of the closed, hierarchical power system of which the pope himself is the apex and the embodiment.

The Guardian

And among the header-practitioners of today, none captures the idea of what it means to be short and more efficient as a footballer at the apex of the body than its base – to be, in effect, a footballer in name only – better than Tim Cahill.

The Guardian - Sport

The pointed ends of the leaves meet at the apex of what is basically a cone-shaped device, and the wings are held in place relative to one another by a flexible carbon-fibre ring that connects them.

The Economist

Analysts at Morgan Stanley, an investment bank, believe that this is the year in which the country's consumption and production will reach its apex, to decline gently thereafter (see chart).

The Economist

Mr Zhou was also a member of the Politburo's standing committee, the then nine-member apex of party power.

The Economist

The single currency is a monetary union with the European Central Bank (ECB) at its apex; the gold standard had no such institution.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the multi-apex series of right-handers from turn 16 to 18 taken by F1 drivers flat out resemble the famous turn eight complex (nicknamed the "Diabolica") at Istanbul Park in Turkey.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, make sure that the context of your sentence does not already imply a 'highest point'. For example, instead of saying 'the apex of the summit', simply use 'the summit'.

Common error

Avoid using "apex" as a verb. It is primarily used as a noun to denote the highest point. Using it as a verb can sound awkward and grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The word "apex" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the highest point or culmination of something. Ludwig shows examples where it describes physical locations, achievements, or hierarchical positions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apex" is a noun that signifies the highest point or culmination of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it is also used in science and formal business settings. While related to words like "peak", "summit", and "pinnacle", "apex" carries a distinct connotation of precision and elevation. To enhance clarity and avoid redundancy, writers should ensure that its use is contextually appropriate and avoid using it as a verb.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak

This term often refers to the highest point of a physical object or a period of great success.

summit

Similar to "peak", this term also denotes the highest point, but can also refer to a meeting of leaders.

zenith

This term refers to the highest point, especially in the sky or in a career.

pinnacle

Implies the highest level of achievement or success.

culmination

This term emphasizes the end result or climax of a process or series of events.

climax

Refers to the most intense or exciting point of something.

crest

Often used to describe the top of a wave or hill, but can also refer to a peak in a more general sense.

acme

Indicates the point of perfection or highest achievement.

high point

A more general term referring to the most successful or enjoyable part of something.

top

A simple and direct way to refer to the highest part or position.

FAQs

How can I use "apex" in a sentence?

You can use "apex" to describe the highest point of something, such as "The mountain's apex was covered in snow", or to describe the peak of an achievement, for example, "Reaching the playoffs was the apex of their season".

What words can I use instead of "apex"?

You can use alternatives like "peak", "summit", or "pinnacle" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "apex predator"?

Yes, "apex predator" is a correct and commonly used term in ecology to describe a predator at the top of a food chain. It's often used in scientific and nature-related contexts.

What's the difference between "apex" and "zenith"?

"Apex" generally refers to the highest point, while "zenith" often refers to the highest point reached in the sky by a celestial body or metaphorically to the peak of someone's career or success. Zenith usually implies a more figurative or abstract high point.