peak
gb/pˈik/ us/pˈik/
A2
Anglais
~ 2500
Sens
0 sens
Nom
A2
entity
1
highest point of a mountain
The very top of a mountain or hill.
Schéma d’usage :
the peak of [a mountain/hill]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'peak' with 'pick' because they sound similar but mean different things.
Synonymes
summit (Often used interchangeably, but 'summit' can also refer to a formal meeting between leaders.)
Antonymes
base (Refers to the bottom part of a mountain, opposite of the top.)
Collocations
mountain peak
|snow-capped peak
|reach the peak
|at the peak
|highest peak
Thèmes
geography
|nature
|travel
|space
Exemples
- We finally reached the peak after six hours of climbing.
- From the peak, you could see for miles in every direction.
- Snow covered the peak even in summer.
- The view from the peak was breathtaking.
- Several hikers were resting at the peak.
Exemples pédagogiques
- We stood on the peak of the hill.
- The peak was covered with snow.
- They climbed to the peak of the mountain.
- We took photos at the peak.
- The peak is very high.
Nom
B1
entity
2
highest level or value
The time or level when something is strongest or most successful.
Schéma d’usage :
at the peak of [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may confuse 'peak' with 'pick' or think it only refers to mountains.
Synonymes
climax (Often used for dramatic or narrative contexts, whereas 'peak' is more general.)
Antonymes
low point (Refers to the time when something is weakest or least successful.)
Collocations
peak performance
|peak hours
|peak season
|at its peak
|peak demand
Thèmes
business
|sports
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The athlete was at the peak of her career.
- Electricity demand is highest during peak hours.
- Tourism reaches its peak in August.
- The company's profits hit their peak last year.
- He performed at his physical peak.
Exemples pédagogiques
- She is at the peak of her career.
- We travel in the peak season.
- Traffic is heavy in peak hours.
- He is at his physical peak now.
- The business was at its peak last year.
Verbe
B2
action
3
reach maximum level or value
To become the most successful or strong before going down again.
Schéma d’usage :
[something] peaks at [amount/time]
Erreur fréquente :
Some learners use 'peak' incorrectly as a continuous verb ('peaking') when describing a past completed event.
Synonymes
crest ('Crest' is less common and more literary for this context.)
Antonymes
decline (Indicates a downward trend after a high point.)
Collocations
sales peaked
|temperature peaked
|peaked at noon
|peaked in 2020
Thèmes
business
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- Sales peaked in December before dropping sharply.
- The temperature will peak at 30°C tomorrow.
- Her popularity peaked in the late 1990s.
- The storm's intensity peaked overnight.
- Attendance peaked during the opening ceremony.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Sales peaked last month.
- The heat will peak at noon.
- Her fame peaked in 2010.
- Prices peaked before the holiday.
- Attendance peaked yesterday.
adjective
informal
B2
state
4
at best or most successful point
At your best ability or success level.
Schéma d’usage :
peak [condition/performance/form]
Synonymes
optimal ('Optimal' is more formal and technical.)
Antonymes
subpar (Indicates below average condition or performance.)
Collocations
peak condition
|peak performance
|peak form
Thèmes
sports
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|work
Exemples
- She is in peak condition for the marathon.
- His career is at its peak stage now.
- He delivered a peak performance last night.
- They are operating at peak efficiency.
Exemples pédagogiques
- She is in peak form today.
- He is in peak health now.
- The team is playing at peak level.
- I am not in peak condition today.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
peak
API
GB/pˈik/
US/pˈik/
Syllabes et accentuation
peak (1 syllabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (peak)
Formes du mot
Adjective
- Base: peak
Noun
- Base: peak
- Plural: peaks
Verb
- Base: peak
- 3rd Person Singular: peaks
- Present Participle: peaking
- Past: peaked
Famille de mots
Forms
peaks
noun
peaking
verb
peaked
verb
Related words
summit
noun B1
Expressions
at one's peak
3/ˈæt wˈʌnz pˈik/
fixed phrase
at best stage in life or career
When someone is doing their best work or is most successful.
Exemples
- The singer was at her peak in the 1980s.
- He was at his peak when he won the championship.
peak season
2/pˈik sˈizən/
fixed phrase
time with highest demand or activity
The time of year when most people want something, like going on holiday.
Exemples
- Hotels are more expensive in peak season.
- We avoid traveling in the summer because it's peak season.
peak time
1/pˈik tˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
busiest period of activity
The time when something is busiest or most active.
Exemples
- Avoid traveling during peak time to save money.
- The call center is busiest at peak time.
reach a peak
4/ɹˈit͡ʃ ə pˈik/
fixed phrase
get to highest point possible
To get to the top level or point of something before going down again.
Exemples
- Unemployment reached a peak last year.
- Her performance reached a peak during the final scene.