peak
B2neutral
Definition
Meaning
The pointed top of a mountain or hill; the highest point or maximum level of something.
The period of highest development, intensity, or achievement; a pointed or projecting part; to reach the highest point or maximum value.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to both physical peaks (mountains) and abstract peaks (performance, prices). As a verb, often implies a temporary maximum followed by decline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'peak' similarly, though British English may use 'peak time' more commonly for television/transport than 'prime time'.
Connotations
Neutral in both; implies excellence but temporary maximum.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[noun] peaks at [time/number][subject] has peakedthe peak of [noun]during peak [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “peak and trough”
- “past one's peak”
- “peak behind the curtain”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to maximum sales, production, or stock market values.
Academic
Describing statistical maxima, population peaks, or historical high points.
Everyday
Talking about traffic times, television ratings, or personal achievement levels.
Technical
In signal processing, physics (peak amplitude), or sports science (peak performance).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Sales usually peak in December.
- His career peaked when he won the championship.
American English
- The stock market peaked at 15,000 points.
- Her popularity peaked after the movie release.
adverb
British English
- The show was peak entertaining last night.
- Prices rose peak quickly during the crisis.
American English
- The team played peak well in the finals.
- Interest peaked suddenly after the announcement.
adjective
British English
- Avoid travelling during peak hours.
- We need extra staff for the peak season.
American English
- Peak demand occurs around 6 PM.
- They charge peak rates on weekends.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The snow on the mountain peak looks beautiful.
- Traffic is bad at peak times.
- Hotel prices are highest during peak season.
- He reached the peak of his career at age 35.
- The athlete's performance peaked during the championship match.
- Electricity consumption peaks between 5 and 7 PM.
- The company's profits peaked in 2018 before declining steadily.
- Peak oil theory suggests maximum production has already been reached.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a mountain PEAK reaching the highest point – both have the 'EA' vowel sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS HEIGHT (reaching a peak); TIME IS A MOUNTAIN (peak periods).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'пик' (оружие) – pike
- В русском 'пик' часто только существительное, в английском также глагол и прилагательное
Common Mistakes
- Using 'pick' instead of 'peak' in writing
- Saying 'on the peak' instead of 'at the peak'
- Confusing 'peek' (look) with 'peak' (maximum)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'peak' correctly as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Peak' refers to a maximum point (noun) or reaching that point (verb). 'Peek' means to look quickly or secretly.
Yes, commonly in phrases like 'peak hours', 'peak season', or 'peak performance' meaning the period of highest intensity or demand.
Not necessarily, but it often implies a highest point that may be followed by decrease, especially when used as a verb.
'Peak' has a long /iː/ sound (like 'see'), while 'pick' has a short /ɪ/ sound (like 'sit'). The vowel length is the key difference.