at the zenith of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the zenith of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the highest point or peak of something, such as a career, achievement, or situation. Example: "The artist was at the zenith of her career when she won the prestigious award."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The countship was then at the zenith of its power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We're essentially at the zenith of this economy.

The New York Times

The king is at the zenith of his power, and seems untouchable.

The Economist

Thus, the cabinets of the European great powers were at the zenith of their influence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At that time, Henry was at the zenith of his power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was at the zenith of his celebrity as a chess champion.

The New Yorker

At the zenith of a culture war, there's seldom room for compromise.

The Guardian - Travel

The supreme leader is at the zenith of the Islamic Republic.

The Guardian

Turner painted it in 1801 at the zenith of the Romantic age.

The Guardian - Arts

But now, three years later, he reckons that King Abdullah is at the zenith of his power.

The Economist

During the decades of the 1770s and '80s, Levitsky was at the zenith of his creativity and renown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the zenith of" to denote the peak or highest point in a process, career, or historical period. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the sense of culmination or maximum achievement. For instance, "The Roman Empire was at the zenith of its power during Trajan's reign."

Common error

Avoid using "at the zenith of" to describe something merely 'good' or 'successful'. The phrase implies a supreme or culminating point, not just general positivity. Incorrect: "His day was at the zenith of happiness when he got a promotion", a better sentence would be "His day reached its peak when he got a promotion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the zenith of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate the highest point, peak, or most successful stage of something. As shown by Ludwig, it describes when an entity or activity is at its most powerful or flourishing stage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the zenith of" denotes the highest point or peak of something, indicating a period of maximum power, success, or development. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across diverse fields, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase serves to emphasize peak achievements, conveying authority and precision. While alternatives like "at the height of" or "at the peak of" offer similar meanings, "at the zenith of" brings a formal tone suitable for describing significant historical moments or career milestones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the height of

Focuses on the highest level or intensity achieved.

at the peak of

Emphasizes the maximum point reached.

at the apex of

Highlights the summit or highest point of something, often used in a figurative sense.

at the pinnacle of

Suggests the highest point of achievement or success.

at the culmination of

Emphasizes the final result or achievement after a long process.

at the summit of

Similar to 'apex' and 'pinnacle' but can also refer to a literal summit.

in its prime

Highlights the best period in terms of quality or condition.

in full bloom

Conveys a sense of flourishing and peak development.

at its best

Simple and direct way of saying something is performing at its highest level.

in its heyday

Suggests a period of great success, popularity, or power.

FAQs

What does "at the zenith of" mean?

The phrase "at the zenith of" means at the highest point or peak of something. It is used to describe when something is most powerful, successful, or developed.

How can I use "at the zenith of" in a sentence?

You can use "at the zenith of" to describe the peak of a career, empire, or any other process that reaches a high point. For example, "The Roman Empire was at the zenith of its power during the 2nd century AD."

What can I say instead of "at the zenith of"?

You can use alternatives like "at the height of", "at the peak of", or "at the apex of" depending on the context.

Is "at the zenith of" formal or informal?

The phrase "at the zenith of" is generally considered formal and is suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. Less formal options include "at its best" or "in its prime".