Word Daily * Apotheosis *

Apotheosis

əˌpäTHēˈōsəs

Noun

   The highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax.
   The elevation of someone to divine status; deification.


Example Sentences

“Receiving the foundation’s award for cancer research was the apotheosis of her career.”

“After reaching the apotheosis of my field, I’m ready for a new challenge.”

“Be careful placing any one person in apotheosis — no one is perfect.”

Word Origin

Greek, late 16th century

Why this word?

From the Greek “apotheōsis” (meaning “make a god of”), the word “apotheosis” originally described elevating someone to divine status. Early uses were in reference to ancient Rome, where emperors were honored with apotheosis, and sometimes in reference to the canonization of saints. As the word evolved, the term described the resurrection or an ascension into heaven, and also described the art that depicted those occurrences. In its most modern state, “apotheosis” is used for the highest peak of development or the culmination of a journey.