Horizon

Definition

Horizon is the line where the sky meets the land or sea, especially as seen from a distance.

Parts of Speec

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /həˈraɪzən/
• Respelling: huh-RYE-zuhn (with "huh" as in "sofa," "RYE" as in "pie," and "zuhn" as in "button")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /həˈraɪzən/
• Respelling: huh-RYE-zuhn (with "huh" as in "sofa," "RYE" as in "pie," and "zuhn" as in "button")

In both dialects, "horizon" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "RYE." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "huh-RYE-zuhn."

Etymology

The word "horizon" is derived from the Late Latin "horizon", from Greek "horizōn (kyklos)", meaning "separating (circle)", from the verb "horizein" which means "to divide", "to limit", and "to separate", and "horos" meaning "boundary, landmark".

Derivatives

• Horizontal (adjective)
• Horizontally (adverb)
• Horizonless (adjective)
• Horizonal (adjective)
• Horizons (noun, plural)

Synonyms

• Skyline
• Vista
• Panorama

Antonyms

• Nadir
• Zenith (in the context of opposite of a celestial horizon)
• Depths

Usage

The term "horizon" is commonly used in geography and astronomy to describe the apparent boundary between the earth and the sky. It is also used metaphorically to represent the limit of a person's knowledge, experience, or interest.

Related Terms

• Landscape
• Perspective
• Field of view
• Vanishing point
• Event horizon (in astrophysics)

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Geographical Line: The apparent line that separates the earth from the sky.
  • Example: The sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the end of the day.

• Astronomical Boundary: The great circle on the celestial sphere that separates the visible sky from the earth.
  • Example: Stars appear to rise above the horizon as the earth rotates.

• Limit of Knowledge or Experience: The range or scope of one's knowledge, experience, or interest.
  • Example: Traveling can broaden your horizons and introduce you to new cultures.