Apotheosis
Word of the Day
What is Apotheosis?
noun
The highest point in the development of something; the elevation of someone to divine status.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to celebrate moments of ultimate triumph and the human desire to elevate greatness.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
Winning the Nobel Prize was the apotheosis of her career.
The apotheosis of the festival came with the grand fireworks.
He saw the work as the apotheosis of Renaissance art.
Word Origins
Greek apotheōsis “deification,” from apo- (change) + theos (god)
Originally used in religion for deification; later expanded to cultural and artistic peaks.
First appearance in English: late 16th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
-
Noun:
The victory was the pinnacle of his career.
-
Noun:
The story built to a thrilling climax.
-
Noun:
The project was the culmination of years of effort.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: apoteosis
- French: apothéose
- German: Vergöttlichung
- Italian: apoteosi
- Portuguese: apoteose
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Climax
“Climax” is dramatic peak; “apotheosis” is glorified peak.
Culmination
“Culmination” is neutral; “apotheosis” is exalted.
Deification
“Deification” is literal; “apotheosis” is metaphorical too.
Fun Facts
- Apotheosis is depicted visually in the U.S. Capitol dome fresco, “The Apotheosis of Washington.”
- In opera, finales are often described as apotheoses of music.
Cultural Usage
- In Roman tradition, emperors were honored with apotheosis after death.
- Apotheosis appears in epic poetry to glorify heroes.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “climax”; apotheosis is more exalted and final.
Micro Story
The final movement was the apotheosis of the symphony.