Acme Meaning
/ˈæk.mi/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA high point: the highest point of any range, the most developed stage of any process, or the culmination of any field or historical period.
nounA paragon: a person or thing representing such a high point.
Sentence Examples
When he was at the acme of his career, a scandal brought about his downfall.
Actually his work has reached the acme of perfection.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her performance reached the ____ of her acting career.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The director reached the ____ of his career with his latest film.
Word Origin & History
Directly borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀκμή (akmḗ, “point, high point”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The Latin tong, euen whan it was, as the Grecians say, in ακμη, that is, at the hiest pitch of all perfitenesse."
— 1570, Roger Ascham, The Scholemaster, f. 31:
"Eum.: Our Loves what are they
But howerly Sacrifices, only wanting
The prease and tumult of Solemnity?
If then i'th' heat and Achme of Devotion
We drink a new fiame in, can it be ought
But to increase the Worship?"
— 1651, William Cartwright, “The Lady Errant”, in Comedies Tragi-comedies with Other Poems:
"Ah, what a sight burst upon our astonished eyes as we gained its summit!
It seemed the very acme of mountain glory in all the glories around us."
— 1891, George Edward Mannering, With Axe and Rope in the New Zealand Alps, Chapter VII, p. 71:
"The moment when a certain power reaches the acme of its supremacy."
— 1832, [Isaac Taylor], Saturday Evening. […], London: Holdsworth and Ball, →OCLC:
"The few words of advice she gave him as to escaping political embarrassments, struck him as the acme of wisdom, and as indicating an interest in his well-being of the kindest description;..."
— 1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], “(please specify the page)”, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, pages 260–261:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her performance reached the ____ of her acting career.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The director reached the ____ of his career with his latest film.