Apotheosis
noun /əˌpɒθɪˈəʊsɪs/ — The highest point; elevation to divine status; the ultimate example of something.
Definition
The elevation of a person to the status of a god — as the Romans deified their emperors; by extension, the highest point or perfect example of something, the ultimate manifestation of a quality.
Beyond the definition
Apotheosis is the word for the moment something becomes what it was always becoming. The artist's apotheosis: the work that finally contains everything they had to say. The word is large enough to hold these moments.
Origin & history
Greek 'apotheōsis' — from 'apotheoun' (to deify), from 'apo-' (complete) + 'theos' (god). To apotheosise is to elevate completely to the divine.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The concert was the apotheosis of her career — nothing after could quite match it.
The late works represent the apotheosis of his style.
He had reached his apotheosis and didn't know what to do next.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Apotheosis” when the meaning fits your context: The elevation of a person to the status of a god — as the Romans deified their emperors; by extension, the highest point or perfect example of something, the ultimate manifestation of a quality.
Synonyms
pinnacle, zenith, peak, culmination, glorification
Antonyms
nadir, fall, descent
Related words
Apotheosis vs zenith
Zenith is the peak or highest point of something. Apotheosis is the climax or ultimate development of a person or idea, often suggesting they have reached a state of perfection or divinity.
Questions about this word
What does "Apotheosis" mean?
Apotheosis is noun meaning: The highest point; elevation to divine status; the ultimate example of something.. The elevation of a person to the status of a god — as the Romans deified their emperors; by extension, the highest point or perfect example of something, the ultimate manifestation of a quality.
Where does the word "Apotheosis" come from?
Greek 'apotheōsis' — from 'apotheoun' (to deify), from 'apo-' (complete) + 'theos' (god). To apotheosise is to elevate completely to the divine.