altitude
noun (uncountable)
UK/ˈæl.tɪ.tjuːd/US/ˈæl.tɪ.tjuːd/
the height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level; a high or lofty state, quality, or level
Example Sentences
The airplane maintained a steady altitude of 30,000 feet throughout the flight, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for all passengers.
Climbing to a higher altitude can cause difficulty breathing due to lower oxygen levels in the air.
Mountaineers must acclimate to high altitudes gradually to avoid altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening if not addressed properly.
The satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 22,300 miles, providing crucial data for weather forecasting and communication systems.
Due to the plane's rapid ascent, passengers felt a slight pressure change as the aircraft gained altitude.
Scientists study atmospheric conditions at various altitudes to better understand weather patterns and climate change impacts.
During the storm, the helicopter operated at a lower altitude to provide close-up rescue operations amidst challenging weather conditions.
The kite soared to an impressive altitude, its colorful tail fluttering gracefully against the clear blue sky.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Vertical distance above a reference level, typically sea level.“Altitude” commonly refers to the height of an object or point relative to a specific reference, such as sea level. In everyday contexts, you might mention altitude when discussing mountain elevations or your position during a flight. For instance, a pilot might announce, “We are now cruising at an altitude of 30,000 feet,” highlighting the aircraft’s height above sea level.From a scientific standpoint, altitude plays a vital role in fields like meteorology, aviation, and geography. Meteorologists study how changes in altitude affect temperature, pressure, and weather patterns. In aviation, precise altitude readings are crucial for safety, navigation, and compliance with air traffic control regulations. Meanwhile, mountaineers keep a close eye on altitude because higher elevations result in lower oxygen levels, which can cause altitude sickness.In practical usage, make sure to specify the reference point when using “altitude.” For example, state whether you’re referring to an altitude above sea level, above ground level, or relative to another baseline. In academic or technical writing, clarify which measurement system is being used (feet versus meters) and why the specified altitude matters. By doing so, you ensure that your audience understands the context and significance of any altitude mentioned. For example, referencing “8,848 meters” is more precise and may resonate differently than “over 29,000 feet.”Overall, understanding how to employ “altitude” helps you discuss vertical distances accurately, whether in casual conversation, technical reports, or travel documents. Whether you’re speaking with outdoor enthusiasts, flight professionals, or curious readers, providing context ensures clarity about the exact height and its significance.
Alternatives
Instead of “altitude,” you might occasionally use terms like “elevation,” “height,” or “vertical distance,” depending on your context. “Elevation” often appears in cartography and geography, referring to the height of land features above sea level. For example, maps might label the elevation of a mountain peak or a plateau. “Height” is a more generic term—applicable to measuring anything from building structures to a tree in someone’s backyard. “Vertical distance” is more descriptive when you need to emphasize the exact dimension from one point to another, whether that point is sea level, ground level, or an arbitrary reference plane.In specialized contexts, you might encounter “flight level,” which aviation uses to describe the standardized altitude of an aircraft, expressed in hundreds of feet above a reference pressure setting. If you’re discussing underwater settings, “depth” becomes the relevant counterpart, indicating distance below the water’s surface. These alternatives align with their specific domains—cartography, aviation, oceanography, or everyday language—each clarifying the vertical relationship in question. By choosing synonyms that match your audience’s familiarity and your purpose, you help them understand exactly what and where you’re measuring.
Writing
When integrating “altitude” into formal writing, clarity is paramount. If your paper or report revolves around geographic, geological, or atmospheric data, define your reference point from the beginning—be it sea level or a standard datum like WGS84 (World Geodetic System). For example, “The summit’s altitude of 4,500 meters was measured relative to sea level using GPS.” Such specificity helps avoid ambiguity and demonstrates expertise.Where possible, show the significance of altitude. Perhaps you’re explaining how vegetation changes at different elevations or highlighting how reduced air pressure at high altitudes affects physical performance. Present relevant data, context, and analysis to support your claims. In scientific or technical documents, consider providing a table or chart with altitude readings, units, and references. Even in more narrative forms, such as travelogues, adding a short note on the altitude’s effect—like “the thin air made hiking more challenging”—adds depth and clarity. By combining measured data with well-structured paragraphs, your writing remains both authoritative and accessible. This balanced approach allows readers, regardless of their background, to grasp why altitude matters in your discourse.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you can mention “altitude” when talking about a memorable hike, a ski trip, or even a flight you recently took. For instance, you might say, “My ears kept popping on the plane because of the altitude change,” or “We went hiking at high altitude, and I felt short of breath more quickly.” Such statements make the concept accessible, translating the idea of altitude from a strict geographical measure to a lived experience.If you’re chatting with friends who aren’t necessarily science-focused, you might replace “altitude” with simpler phrasing or add a short explanation like, “We climbed so high that the air was thinner and we had to catch our breath often.” It’s also common to associate altitude with scenic views—like being at the top of a mountain or a high-rise building—and how the landscape looks from that vantage point. By connecting altitude to relatable experiences, you keep the conversation light while still conveying key details about vertical distance and its effects on everyday life.
Etymology
The word “altitude” comes from the Latin “altitudo,” formed by “altus,” meaning “high” or “deep,” and the suffix “-tudo,” which was used to form nouns expressing state or condition. In classical contexts, “altus” could refer to something physically elevated or deep, hinting at the notion that from a reference level, you measure either upward or downward.During the Middle Ages, as scholarly texts on astronomy, geometry, and geography spread through Europe, terms like “altitudo” began appearing in technical writings, eventually making their way into Middle French and then early modern English. Over time, “altitude” specifically came to mean “height above a given reference,” most often sea level. In modern usage, the concept expanded beyond geography to include flight levels in aviation or even altitudes in satellite orbits. This etymological lineage reveals a steady shift from general descriptions of “depth” and “height” in antiquity to the precise measurement-based definitions we rely on today.