el diente peak
B2Neutral to formal; widely used.
Definition
Meaning
The highest point, summit, or maximum level of something; the pointed top of a mountain.
A time of maximum intensity, activity, or achievement; the best or most successful period.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, denotes the topmost point or a period of greatest development. As a verb, describes the action of reaching a highest point. As an adjective, describes the highest level or maximum (e.g., peak performance).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Peak' is preferred in both varieties; 'summit' is slightly more formal, especially for mountains. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'peak season' vs. 'peak season' - no difference).
Connotations
Similar connotations of achievement, maximum capacity, or climax.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN: The peak of + NOUN (the peak of his career)VERB: to peak in + TIME (peaked in the 1990s)ADJECTIVE: peak + NOUN (peak traffic)VERB INTRANSITIVE: Sales peaked last quarter.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Peak and pine (archaic)”
- “Peak your interest (common mistake for 'pique')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to periods of highest sales, demand, or productivity (e.g., 'Our profits peaked in Q4').
Academic
Used in statistics, geography, and history to denote maximum points or eras (e.g., 'the peak of the distribution', 'the peak of the Roman Empire').
Everyday
Commonly used for traffic times, fitness levels, and holiday periods (e.g., 'Try to avoid driving during peak hour').
Technical
In physics/engineering: peak voltage; in geography: mountain peak; in medicine: peak flow meter.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The athlete's form peaked just in time for the Olympics.
- Tourism to the region typically peaks in August.
American English
- His career peaked with an Academy Award nomination.
- Electricity usage peaks on hot summer afternoons.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The snow on the mountain peak is white.
- We saw the peak from far away.
- Traffic is always worst during peak hours.
- She reached the peak of the hill and stopped to rest.
- The company's profits peaked last year before declining sharply.
- Mountaineers trained for months to climb the treacherous peak.
- His research represents the peak of scholarly achievement in that field.
- The crisis peaked when negotiations broke down completely.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a mountain PEAK – it's the POINTY ELEVATED Apex Kick.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A HIGH POINT (e.g., 'the peak of her career'), TIME IS A LANDSCAPE (e.g., 'peak season').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'пик' as in 'пиковая дама' (The Queen of Spades) – that refers to the suit 'spades'.
- The Russian 'пик' (peak) is a direct loan, but the verb 'to peak' has no single direct equivalent; use достигать пика.
- Avoid using 'peak' for a small hill or bump; it implies a distinct high point.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'peek' (to look) or 'pique' (to stimulate interest) incorrectly. (e.g., 'It peeked my interest' is wrong).
- Using as a verb with an object incorrectly (e.g., 'He peaked the mountain' – use 'reached the peak of' or 'climbed').
- Confusing 'peak' with 'peaked' as an adjective meaning pale and sickly (pronounced /ˈpiːkɪd/).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct use of 'peak' as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used metaphorically for the highest point of anything, such as a career, demand, or performance.
They are often interchangeable for mountains, but 'summit' is slightly more formal. 'Peak' is more common in non-geographical contexts (e.g., peak demand).
Yes, it means to reach a highest point, often before a decline (e.g., 'Interest in the product peaked in January').
It is often confused with 'peek' (a quick look) and 'pique' (to stimulate interest). The phrase is 'pique your interest', not 'peak your interest'.