What is peak? Pronunciation and usage in English

peak means . Learn how to pronounce and use peak through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of peak

peaknoun

/piːk/
Definition & pronunciation of peak

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "peak." There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on what you're referring to:

1. As a noun (the top of a hill or mountain):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈpiːk/ (pee-k)
  • Breakdown:
    • "pee": Like the letter "p" followed by the short "ee" sound (as in "see").
    • "k": A standard "k" sound.

2. As a verb (to reach the highest point):

  • Pronunciation: /piːk/ (pee-k) – This is the same as the noun pronunciation!

Key Differences & Tips:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("pee").
  • Rhyme: It rhymes with "peek" and "seek."

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google: Just type "how to pronounce peak" into Google, and you’ll see audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/peak/ - This website offers pronunciations by native speakers.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to pronounce "peak"? (e.g., describing a mountain, or using it as a verb)?

Usage and examples with the word peak in English

Let's break down how to use the word "peak" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (the highest point):

  • Meaning: This is often the first definition people think of – the highest point of something.
  • Examples:
    • "Mount Everest is the peak of the Himalayas." (Highest mountain)
    • "The peak of his career was winning the award." (Highest achievement)
    • "The hill offered a stunning view of the valley peak." (Highest point of the hill)
    • “The peak of the wave was incredibly high.” (Highest point of the wave)

2. As a Verb (to reach the highest point):

  • Meaning: To rise to the highest point; to reach a maximum.
  • Examples:
    • "The stock market is expected to peak next year." (Reach its highest value)
    • "The hikers peaked the summit of the mountain at sunrise." (Reached the highest point)
    • "Her confidence peaked after the successful presentation.” (Her confidence reached its highest point)
    • "The temperature will peak around 35 degrees Celsius." (Reach the highest temperature)

3. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses:

  • “Peak performance”: Meaning the highest level of skill or effectiveness.
    • "He's in peak performance right now – he’s playing brilliantly."
  • “Peak experience”: A deeply significant and transformative experience.
    • "Traveling through Nepal gave me a peak experience that changed my life."
  • "Peak time" (often for traffic): The busiest time for something. * "The roads were at peak time during the holiday rush."
  • "Peak interest”: The highest level of interest.
    • “The movie generated much peak interest before its release.”

4. Related Phrases:

  • Peak at: To glance quickly and secretly at something.
    • “Don’t peak at the answers on the test!”
  • Peak demand: The highest level of demand for something.
    • "There’s a peak demand for gas during the summer.”

Tips for Using "Peak" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Consider the subject: Is it a physical location (mountain), a graph, a feeling, or something else?
  • Use a thesaurus: If you're struggling to find the right word, a thesaurus can help you explore synonyms like "highest," "maximum," "zenith," or "climax."

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of a specific usage?
  • Help you practice using "peak" in a sentence?
  • Explain any of these meanings in more detail?

Synonyms for the word peak

Practice with vocabulary peak

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the holiday season, online retail typically reaches its sales ______ in the week before Christmas.
  2. Climbing to the ______ of the mountain was an arduous but rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views.
  3. The data clearly indicates that user engagement hit its ______ at noon, likely due to increased lunchtime browsing.
  4. The play's dramatic ______ left the audience in stunned silence, completely absorbed in the unfolding tragedy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a period of maximum activity or intensity? a) Plateau b) Trough c) Peak d) Nadir
  2. Which words can describe the highest point of a mountain? a) Summit b) Ridge c) Peak d) Valley
  3. In an economic cycle, what term refers to the highest point of growth before a downturn? a) Recession b) Expansion c) Peak d) Recovery
  4. Which word best describes the highest point of an arch or curve? a) Base b) Apex c) Meridian d) Zenith
  5. Which of the following is most associated with the culmination of a process or event? a) Prologue b) Climax c) Interlude d) Descent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Sales reached their highest level in December.
    • Rewrite the sentence using a form of "peak".
  2. The company is currently experiencing its busiest period of the year.
    • Rewrite the sentence using a form of "peak".
  3. The highest point of his career was when he won the Nobel Prize.
    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "highest point" (do not use "peak" or its forms).

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the holiday season, online retail typically reaches its sales peak in the week before Christmas.
  2. Climbing to the height of the mountain was an arduous but rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views.
  3. The data clearly indicates that user engagement hit its peak at noon, likely due to increased lunchtime browsing.
  4. The play's dramatic climax left the audience in stunned silence, completely absorbed in the unfolding tragedy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Peak
  2. a) Summit, c) Peak
  3. c) Peak
  4. b) Apex
  5. b) Climax

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Sales peaked in December. (or: December saw sales reach their peak.)
  2. The company is currently in its peak season. (or: This is the company's peak business period.)
  3. The zenith of his career was when he won the Nobel Prize. (or: The pinnacle of his career was when he won the Nobel Prize.)

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