Meaning & Definition of word "Culminate"

Culminate

/ˈkʌlmɪneɪt/

verb:

  • 1. to reach a climax or point of highest development
    • Example: Their efforts to improve the community culminated in a successful fundraising event.
  • 2. to arrive at a final stage or conclusion
    • Example: Years of research culminated in the discovery of a new treatment for the disease.
  • 3. to reach a peak or the highest point, especially in a physical sense
    • Example: The mountain climbers were excited to culminate their journey at the summit.
  • 4. to be the final result or outcome of a set of events
    • Example: The negotiations culminated in a historic agreement between the two nations.
  • 5. to complete or finish something through escalation or accumulation
    • Example: The festival culminated in a spectacular fireworks display.

Etymology

late Middle English, from Latin culminare 'to reach the top,' from culminis 'top, summit'

Common Phrases and Expressions

culminate in:

to result in something significant

culminate at:

to reach a specific point

the culmination of:

the final or most important stage of something

Related Words

culmination:

the highest point or climax of something

culminating:

reaching the highest point or final stage

Slang Meanings of culminate

Meaning: to reach a peak of intensity, often used humorously

Example Sentence: When the concert ended, the energy of the crowd culminated into pure chaos.

Meaning: to finish something with flair or intensity

Example Sentence: Their plans culminated in a party that everyone's talking about.