height

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "height" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the measurement of something from base to top or when discussing the extent of something in a vertical dimension. Example: "The height of the building is impressive, reaching over 100 stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As New York's skyscrapers set new height records, mayor Bill de Blasio has also proposed building 80,000 units of affordable housing over the next 10 years, much of it accomplished by building higher.

The Guardian

Having benefited from a five-year plan struck at the height of an economic boom in 2007, Network Rail faces a much tougher round of negotiations this time.

The Guardian

The prices match the outrageous history though: rooms from $415 plus tax to $4,500, [phone], chateaumarmont.com "I am a Golden God!" It is 1975, the height of rock's heyday, and Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin's debonair vocalist, declares his rock star status from his hotel balcony.

The Guardian - Travel

Even in a simple court dance, he's emphatic about the precise musical beat on which the foot has to be placed flat on the ground, the accent of a plié, the height at which a pointed toe should be lifted, the twist or curve of a torso.

The Guardian

"The height of Ebola was when families should have been farming.

The Guardian

At the height of Cleggmania in April 2010 the party reached the giddy heights of 33% in a YouGov poll, and briefly took first place ahead of both the Tories and Labour.

The Guardian

In 1984, at the height of the miners' strike, he was one of those involved in a protest at the deduction of £16 from benefits paid to the dependants of those on strike that led to the suspension of the parliamentary sitting.

The Guardian

At its height the show's season finales brought in over 30m viewers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

With a maximum height of nearly 3,000 metres, getting back down again, via a nerve-inducing series of switchbacks (the aptly named Devil's Nose) is a memorable white-knuckle experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Throughout her career she referred to herself as a "hack", and even when her reputation was at it height, she always deferred to the picture editor.

The Guardian - Arts

Children in their early teens are often unskilled and don't know how to avoid injury, and between the ages of 13 and 18 their weight and height may differ dramatically within a squad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical object, use "height" to denote the vertical distance from the base to the top. For example, "The building's "height" is impressive."

Common error

Avoid using "altitude" when simply referring to the vertical distance of an object unless you are specifically referencing the distance above a certain reference point such as sea level. "Height" is more appropriate for general measurements of vertical extent.

Linguistic Context

The word "height" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the measurement of something from base to top. As Ludwig shows, it can also denote the highest point or maximum degree of something. The definition from Ludwig's dictionary shows its versatility in describing both physical dimensions and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

13%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "height" is a versatile noun used to describe the vertical measurement of physical objects or the maximum extent of abstract concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, as well as in Wiki articles and travel writing. When using "height", consider whether you're referring to a physical measurement or a figurative peak. Alternatives include "altitude", "elevation", or "peak", depending on the specific context. Remember to differentiate "height" from "altitude", which typically refers to the distance above sea level. Its multifaceted nature makes it a valuable term for expressing verticality and culmination in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tallness

A straightforward synonym for "height", referring to the quality of being tall.

altitude

Refers to the vertical distance of an object above a reference point, often sea level. It emphasizes the measurement of elevation.

elevation

Similar to altitude, but can also refer to the act of raising something or the state of being raised. It emphasizes the elevated position.

vertical extent

Highlights the measurement of something from base to top, emphasizing the vertical dimension of the object or space.

vertical measurement

Emphasizes the action of measuring the vertical dimension, implying a process or calculation.

peak

Refers to the highest point of something, especially a mountain. It focuses on the apex or summit.

summit

Similar to peak, denoting the highest point, but often used in a more formal or figurative context.

apex

Denotes the highest point or culminating point. Often used in abstract or figurative senses.

stature

Primarily refers to a person's natural height, but can also refer to importance or reputation.

depth (as opposite)

Used when discussing relative measurements, particularly in contexts where the opposite dimension is also relevant.

FAQs

How is "height" used in mathematical contexts?

In geometry, "height" refers to the perpendicular distance from a vertex to the opposite side of a shape. For example, the area of a triangle is calculated using its base and "height".

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

"Height" typically refers to the vertical distance of an object from its base to its top. "Elevation", on the other hand, generally refers to the distance above a reference point, often sea level.

What are some common expressions using the word "height"?

Common expressions include "at the "height" of", meaning the peak or most intense point, and references to a person's physical "height".

Can "height" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "height" can be used metaphorically to describe the peak or culmination of something, such as "the "height" of her career" or "the "height" of absurdity".