culmine
/ˈkul.mi.ne/
The English phrase 'climax' can be translated into Italian as culmine.
culmine refers to the point of greatest intensity or force. It can be used to describe a narrative climax, but it is also frequently used to describe the physical peak or zenith of a mountain or a process.
Meaning: point of greatest intensity or force (noun)
Which one should you use?
Apice is used specifically in formal contexts to refer to the highest point or pinnacle of a situation. Punto culminante is a formal phrase meaning 'culminating point' and is often used in literature or intellectual discussions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of culmine is culmini.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkul.mi.ne/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- Unlike the English word 'climax', which can have a strong sexual connotation in casual speech, culmine is generally neutral and lacks that specific double entendre.
- The word culmine shares a common ancestor with the English word 'column'.
- In Italian, if you say a situation has reached a colmo, you might actually be saying it has reached a ridiculous or absurd limit.
Examples in context
- Il discorso del presidente ha raggiunto l'apice quando ha citato la pace nel mondoThe president's speech reached its climax when he mentioned world peace
- Il film tocca il suo punto culminante quando il protagonista salva la ragazzaThe movie reaches its climax when the main character saves the girl
- Il momento clou della serata è stato il concerto della bandThe highlight of the evening was the band's concert
- L'incontro di calcio è stato entusiasmante, ma il momento clou è stato quando la squadra ha segnato il gol vincente agli ultimi secondiThe soccer match was thrilling, but the highlight was when the team scored the winning goal in the last seconds
- Durante l'opera teatrale, la tensione ha raggiunto l'apice durante la scena finale, quando i protagonisti si sono dichiarati il loro amoreDuring the theater play, the tension reached its climax during the final scene when the protagonists declared their love
- Siamo arrivati al culmine della tensione.We have reached the climax of the tension.
- Il culmine della partita è stato incredibile.The climax of the match was incredible.
- Aspettiamo il culmine dello spettacolo.We are waiting for the climax of the show.
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are discussing a novel they both read.
- ChiaraHai letto l'ultimo capitolo del libro?Did you read the last chapter of the book?
- LorenzoSì, è stato il culmine della storia.Yes, it was the climax of the story.
- ChiaraSono d'accordo, era davvero emozionante.I agree, it was really exciting.
- LorenzoNon potevano scrivere un finale migliore.They couldn't have written a better ending.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry culmine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries culmine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
