acme
Meaning: The point at which something is at its best or most highly developed.
Acme denotes the highest point of perfection, quality, or achievement in any domain. It is more literary and less common than 'peak' or 'pinnacle,' and carries a slightly elevated or old-fashioned register. In popular culture, the word is widely associated with the fictional Acme Corporation in Looney Tunes cartoons, which has given it a faintly humorous overtone in informal contexts. In serious usage, it collocates with 'of perfection,' 'of achievement,' and 'of civilisation.'
Examples
- The Elizabethan era is often regarded as the acme of English dramatic achievement. 伊丽莎白时代常被视为英国戏剧成就的极致。La época isabelina se considera a menudo la cúspide del arte dramático inglés.エリザベス朝はしばしば英国演劇の極致と見なされている。엘리자베스 시대는 흔히 영국 연극 성취의 극치로 여겨진다.
- This watch represents the acme of Swiss horological craftsmanship. 这块手表代表了瑞士制表工艺的巅峰。Este reloj representa la cúspide de la artesanía relojera suiza.この時計はスイスの時計製造技術の最高峰を体現している。이 시계는 스위스 시계 제조 기술의 최고봉을 대표한다.
- The movement reached its acme in the 1920s before gradually losing momentum. 这一运动在20世纪20年代达到极盛,此后逐渐失去动力。El movimiento alcanzó su apogeo en la década de 1920 antes de ir perdiendo impulso gradualmente.その運動は1920年代に絶頂に達し、その後徐々に勢いを失った。그 운동은 1920년대에 절정에 달한 뒤 점차 동력을 잃어갔다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, academic, general
Tone: positive
Origin & History
From Greek akme (peak, prime, highest point), from the Proto-Indo-European root ak- (sharp, pointed). The word has been used in English since the 16th century, often in medical contexts (the crisis point of a disease) before its broader figurative usage became dominant.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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