What does "apogee" mean?
The point, in an orbit about the Earth, that is farthest from the Earth: the apoapsis of an Earth orbiter.
Apogee
/ˈæp.ə.d͡ʒi/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The point, in an orbit about the Earth, that is farthest from the Earth: the apoapsis of an Earth orbiter.
- Grammar: apogee is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: culmination, acme, all, apex.
- Useful contrasts: nadir, periapsis, perigee.
- Usage evidence: The launch of the satellite marked the apogee of the space program.
How to use "apogee"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "apogee" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "apogee" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "apogee" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "apogee" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "culmination" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The point, in an orbit about the Earth, that is farthest from the Earth: the apoapsis of an Earth orbiter.
- 2 apoapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is at the greatest distance from the Earth wordnet
- 3 The point, in an orbit about any planet, that is farthest from the planet: the apoapsis of any satellite. broadly
"Conjunctions of I and II [Io and Europa] occur when they are near perigee and apogee respectively; conjunctions of II and III [Europa and Ganymede] occur when II [Europa] is near perigee."
- 4 a final climactic stage wordnet
- 5 The point, in any trajectory of an object in space, where it is farthest from the Earth.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The highest point. figuratively
"Another manifestation, significantly reaching its apogee in the midst of Antonine virtues, was the growing popularity of adoxographical exercises. Mock panegyrics were dashed off, not just by sardonic intellectuals such as Lucian, but also by trained courtiers and polished encomiasts of the stamp of [Marcus Cornelius] Fronto."
Example
"The launch of the satellite marked the apogee of the space program."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "apogee"?
Common synonyms include: culmination, acme, all, apex, aphelion, apoapsis.
How do you use "apogee" in a sentence?
The launch of the satellite marked the apogee of the space program.
How do you pronounce "apogee"?
Pronounced /ˈæp.ə.d͡ʒi/.
Etymology
From Middle French apogée, from Latin apogaeum, apogēum, from Ancient Greek ἀπόγειον (apógeion, “away from Earth”), from ἀπό (apó, “away”) + γῆ (gê, “Earth”).