Acme
/ˈækmi/
nounC1
Definition
Acme is the top or highest point of something, often used to describe the best or most perfect moment, place, or condition. It can mean the greatest level of success or quality that someone or something reaches.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
The highest point or peak of something
- •The athlete reached the acme of his career at the Olympics.
- •The company’s profits were at their acme last year.
- •The acme of the mountain offers a beautiful view.
The best or most perfect condition or quality
- •Her performance was the acme of grace and skill.
- •This painting represents the acme of Renaissance art.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "acme" like "top" or "peak" (A1 words), but more formal and used for the best or highest point in success or quality.
- ✓Picture a mountain peak shining in the sun, the very highest place you can reach.
- ✓It's the feeling when you do your very best or when something is at its most perfect moment.
- ✓Sounds like "ACK-me" → Imagine someone saying "ACK! I reached the very top!" excitedly.
- ✓Think of stories where heroes reach the highest point of their journey or power.
- ✓NOT like "high" (just tall or elevated), "acme" means the absolute highest or best point.
- ✓NOT like "average" (normal level), "acme" is the extreme, the very best.
- ✓NOT like "start" or "beginning," it is the final and highest stage.
Try Other Words
- •Peak: highest point (Use when talking about mountains or high points in general)
- •Pinnacle: highest or best point (Use in formal or literary contexts similar to acme)
- •Zenith: highest point or time of greatest success (Use in astronomy or metaphorical success contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; a single root word "acme"
- •Etymology: From Greek "akmē," meaning "point, edge, highest point"
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 16th century, used to mean the highest point or best stage
- •Modern usage: Used in formal writing to describe peak success, quality, or condition
Reflect & Connect
•Can something have more than one acme in different areas of life? How would you explain that?
•How does reaching the acme of a skill or career feel different from just being good at it?
Fill in the blanks
1.The athlete reached the acme of his ___ after years of hard work.
2.When a company hits its acme, it usually means profits or success are at their ___.
3.Unlike a simple high point, acme means the ___ or best moment.
4.The acme of her talent was clear when she performed ___ at the concert.
5.People often say "the acme of something" to describe the ___ or most perfect stage.
6.After reaching the acme, some people feel motivated to ___ new goals.
7.The mountain’s acme was covered in snow, showing it was the ___ point.