sommet

/sɔ.mɛ/
nounIntermediate
general

The highest point of a mountain or hill.

Ils ont atteint le sommet après une longue ascension.

They reached the summit after a long climb.

💡

Can also refer to the highest point of anything.

political

A meeting of leaders, especially political leaders, to discuss important issues.

Le sommet du G20 a abordé les questions économiques mondiales.

The G20 summit addressed global economic issues.

💡

Often used with the names of international organizations (e.g., 'sommet de l'OTAN').

Collocations

sommet de la montagnesummit of the mountainsommet internationalinternational summitatteindre le sommetto reach the summit

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

être au sommetphrase
to be at the peak of one's career or success
tomber du sommetphrase
to fall from grace or success

💡Pro Tip

Geographical vs. Political Use

'Sommet' can refer to both a physical peak and a political meeting. Context usually clarifies the meaning.

Gold Rule

Capitalization

In French, 'sommet' is not capitalized unless it's part of a proper noun (e.g., 'Sommet de l'Élysée').

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'sommet', from Latin 'summitas' meaning 'highest point'.

📝Usage Notes

In a figurative sense, 'sommet' can refer to the peak of success or achievement.

Word Breakdown

sommet
highest point
root
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais