The spelling of the word "peak" is a great example of how English can be confusing. The word is pronounced /piːk/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a long "e" sound for the vowel in the first syllable. However, the spelling of the word doesn't reflect this sound accurately, with the "ea" combination usually representing a different sound. This is just one of the many inconsistencies in English spelling, which can make it difficult for language learners to master.
Peak (noun):
1. The highest point or summit of a mountain, hill, or elevated area.
Example: "We reached the peak of the mountain after a challenging climb."
2. The pointed top or utmost extremity of something.
Example: "The peak of the cathedral's spire was adorned with a golden cross."
3. The culmination or highest stage of development, achievement, or success.
Example: "The athlete's career reached its peak when she won the Olympic gold medal."
4. The maximum or highest level, point, or degree that something reaches.
Example: "During rush hour, traffic congestion on the highway reaches its peak."
5. A period of greatest activity, performance, or demand.
Example: "The holiday season is the peak time for retail sales."
Peak (verb):
1. To reach a highest point or level; to culminate.
Example: "The company's profits peaked last year and have been declining since."
2. To have or show an apex or pointed shape.
Example: "The mountain peak was visible from miles away."
3. To become sharp or intense; to reach a climax.
Example: "The conflict between the two countries peaked when diplomatic relations were severed."
4. To reach the highest value or intensity, as in a graph or chart.
Example: "The stock market peaked at record levels before experiencing a significant decline."
Overall, "peak" refers to the highest point, summit, or culmination of something, whether it be a physical location, level of achievement, intensity, or demand.
• The top ridge or jutting part of a hill or mountain; the rising front part of a thing, terminating somewhat like a point; the upper, outer corner of an extended sail; a point.
• To raise more obliquely.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "peak" comes from Middle English "pek" or "pic", which originated from Old Norse "pik" meaning a sharp point or pick. Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "pikô". The sense of "peak" as the pointed top of a mountain appeared in English around the 16th century.