high tide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “high tide” mean?
The point in the tidal cycle when the water reaches its highest level.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The point in the tidal cycle when the water reaches its highest level.
A peak or culminating point of something, such as activity, success, or power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or form. Spelling: 'tide' is standard in both varieties. Potentially greater use of literal term in UK due to maritime culture.
Connotations
Both varieties share the literal and metaphorical connotations equally.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “high tide” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] reached its high tide in [TIME PERIOD].At high tide, the [NOUN] is [ADJECTIVE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a peak period of sales, market activity, or economic prosperity.
Academic
Used in historical contexts (e.g., 'the high tide of the empire') or in environmental science.
Everyday
Used literally for planning beach visits or metaphorically for describing a period of intense activity or success.
Technical
A precise term in oceanography, navigation, and coastal engineering, with defined times and heights.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high tide”
- Using 'high tide' to mean 'high wave' (incorrect). Confusing 'high tide' with 'high time' (which means 'the right time').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in nautical and technical contexts, 'high water' is a synonym.
No, it is a compound noun. You would say 'the high-tide mark' (hyphenated when used attributively).
The direct opposite is 'low tide'.
Typically, there are two high tides approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes.
The point in the tidal cycle when the water reaches its highest level.
High tide is usually neutral in register.
High tide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The high tide of fashion”
- “A high tide of emotion”
- “Swim with the high tide”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIGH TIDE: 'High' like a mountain peak, 'Tide' like the water's ride. The water is HIGH, reaching for the sky.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A TIDAL WAVE (phases are tides). SUCCESS/ACTIVITY IS A RISING TIDE.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'high tide' metaphorically signify?