nadir

/'neidiə/

Thân thiện

The astronomer carefully notes the position of the nadir in his star chart.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The lowest point: The "nadir" is the point directly opposite the zenith, the point in the sky directly above an observer. It represents the absolute bottom point on an imaginary celestial sphere.
   • The lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation: "Nadir" is commonly used metaphorically to describe the time when something is at its worst, weakest, or most unsuccessful state.

Usage and Examples

• Literal/Astronomical Usage:

  • The telescope was pointed at the nadir, the point directly beneath the observatory.
  • In celestial navigation, knowing the zenith and nadir is essential.

• Figurative/Metaphorical Usage:

  • The team's performance reached its nadir with that humiliating defeat.
  • After the scandal, the company's reputation was at its nadir.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "to be at/reach/hit its nadir": This is the most common construction to indicate something has reached its lowest point.
  • Public confidence in the government hit its nadir during the crisis.
• "the nadir of": Used to specify what has reached its lowest point.
  • The 1930s marked the nadir of the Great Depression.

Variants and Related Words

• Zenith (n): The direct opposite of "nadir," meaning the highest point or peak, either in the sky or figuratively.
  • His career was at its zenith when he won the award.
• Perigee (n): While also a low point, this refers specifically to the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite where it is nearest to the earth. It is a more specific scientific term compared to the broader "nadir."

Synonyms

• Low point: The least successful part of a process or experience.
• Bottom: The lowest point or part of something.
• Rock bottom: An informal term for the lowest possible level.
• Trough: A low point in a process that varies over time, especially in economics.

Antonyms

• Zenith: The highest point.
• Peak: The point of greatest success or achievement.
• Acme: The point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful.
• Pinnacle: The most successful point; the culmination.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "From zenith to nadir": Used to describe a dramatic fall from the highest point to the lowest point.
  • The empire fell from zenith to nadir in less than a century.
• "Plumb the nadir": A literary way to say to reach the very lowest depth.
  • The tragedy plumbed the nadir of human suffering.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
2. an extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything

Từ đồng nghĩa

• low-water mark