culminate

Everyday

To culminate is to reach the highest or final point of something, often after a long time or many steps. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word used in history, sport and stories: «the year culminated in a big concert», «the war culminated in a great battle». It tells the reader what the ending or climax was. Usually followed by «in» or «with».

Examples

• The school year culminated in a big summer show. tree →
• Weeks of training culminated in winning the cup. tree →
• The adventure culminated with the dragon's defeat. tree →
• The protests culminated in a new law. tree →
• Our science project culminated in a trip to the museum. tree →
• Years of hard work culminated in her first book. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: culmination (the high point). Formal; simpler: «end in», «lead up to», «reach a climax». Use «culminate in/with», not «culminate to».