culminate
Meaning: To reach the highest point, peak, or most important stage; to end or conclude with a particular event or outcome.
Culminate is almost always followed by 'in' or 'with' and describes the final, climactic stage of a process or series of events. It implies that what follows is the natural or inevitable conclusion of what came before. It is commonly used in narrative, historical, and academic writing. Common collocations include 'culminate in,' 'culminate with,' and 'culminating point.'
Examples
- Months of negotiations culminated in the signing of a historic peace agreement. 数月的谈判最终以一项历史性和平协议的签署而告终。Meses de negociaciones culminaron con la firma de un acuerdo de paz histórico.数か月に及ぶ交渉は、歴史的な和平協定の署名で最高潮に達しました。수개월에 걸친 협상 끝에 역사적인 평화 협정이 체결되었습니다.
- The festival culminated with a spectacular fireworks display over the Thames. 节日在泰晤士河上壮观的烟火表演中达到高潮。El festival culminó con un espectacular castillo de fuegos artificiales sobre el Támesis.フェスティバルはテムズ川上空の壮大な花火で幕を閉じました。축제는 템스강 위의 화려한 불꽃놀이로 대미를 장식했습니다.
- Years of financial mismanagement culminated in the company's collapse and the loss of thousands of jobs. 多年的财务管理不善最终导致公司倒闭,数千人失业。Años de mala gestión financiera culminaron en el derrumbe de la empresa y la pérdida de miles de puestos de trabajo.長年の財務管理の不備が、最終的に会社の倒産と数千人の失業という結末を迎えました。오랜 재무 관리 부실이 결국 회사의 도산과 수천 명의 실직이라는 결과로 이어졌습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Late Latin culminare (to reach the highest point), from Latin culmen (summit, peak). Originally an astronomical term describing a celestial body reaching its highest point, it acquired its figurative meaning in the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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