Words / C2

uh-poth-ee-OHS-is/əˌpɒθiˈəʊsɪs/

Apotheosis is the peak or perfect example of something, or the raising of a person to godlike status: the apotheosis of her method; a career’s apotheosis. Climax is the high point of a story; epitome is a typical perfect example (already in the dictionary). Do not use it for a mild “best bit”.

Meaning

The perfect example of something, or the raising of a person to godlike status.

Examples

• “The final chapter is the apotheosis of her method.”
• “Critics called the last aria the apotheosis of the composer’s late style.”
• “The statue treats the general as an apotheosis, not a man.”

Good to know

the apotheosis of + noun (peak / perfect instance). Cousin: epitome. Story high point: climax.

Near in meaning

epitome

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