The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

climax

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Dictionary definition of climax

The highest or most intense point of a sequence, event, or experience.
"The team's victory in the championship game was the climax of their season."

Detailed meaning of climax

It represents the culmination or turning point that brings a story, performance, or situation to its peak or most significant moment. The climax often carries a sense of heightened tension, emotion, or action, capturing the audience's attention and leaving a lasting impact. It is the pivotal moment where conflicts are resolved, secrets are revealed, or the outcome of a narrative is determined. Whether in literature, movies, music, or real-life events, the climax serves as a powerful focal point that can evoke a range of feelings, from excitement and anticipation to surprise and satisfaction. It is a critical element in storytelling, aiming to engage and captivate the audience before leading to a resolution or conclusion.

Example sentences containing climax

1. The movie reached its climax with a heart-pounding chase scene.
2. The concert's climax came when the lead singer hit a high note.
3. The story's climax revealed the identity of the murderer.
4. The roller coaster's climax was a thrilling drop from a towering height.
5. The novel built up to a climactic moment of intense suspense.
6. The fireworks display reached its climax with a spectacular grand finale.

History and etymology of climax

The noun 'climax' has a rich etymology that can be traced back to the Greek word 'klimax,' meaning 'ladder' or 'staircase.' This term was used metaphorically by ancient rhetoricians to refer to the progression of ideas or arguments in a speech, where each step represented a point of increasing intensity or importance. The concept of a rhetorical climax, with its ascending structure, eventually extended to describe the highest or most intense point in any sequence, event, or experience. Through its journey from Greek to Latin and into English, the word 'climax' has retained its sense of culmination and pinnacle, making it a vital term in describing the most significant moments or turning points in narratives, events, or emotional experiences.

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Further usage examples of climax

1. The plot twist at the climax of the play left the audience stunned.
2. The race reached its climax as the runners sprinted towards the finish line.
3. The climax of the magic trick was the magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
4. The tension in the courtroom reached its climax when the verdict was announced.
5. The romance novel's climax featured a passionate kiss between the two main characters.
6. The movie's climax had us on the edge of our seats.
7. Their performance reached a breathtaking climax.
8. The novel's climax left readers in suspense.
9. The game's climax was a thrilling showdown.
10. The concert's climax featured an explosive finale.
11. The story's climax revealed the shocking truth.
12. The party's climax was a fireworks display.
13. The race's climax determined the champion.
14. The meeting's climax sparked heated debates.
15. The expedition's climax was scaling the peak.
16. The play's climax brought tears to the audience.
17. The debate's climax was a passionate speech.
18. The trial's climax exposed crucial evidence.
19. The journey's climax was a life-changing moment.
20. The year's climax was a memorable event.
21. The project's climax showcased our hard work.
22. The competition's climax was a photo finish.
23. The concert's climax featured a surprise guest.
24. The story's climax resolved all the conflicts.
25. The season's climax left fans eager for more.