0%

anticlimax

an·ti·cli·max
A a

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [an-ti-klahy-maks]
    • /ˌæn tɪˈklaɪ mæks/
    • /ˌæn.tiˈklaɪ.mæks/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [an-ti-klahy-maks]
    • /ˌæn tɪˈklaɪ mæks/

Definitions of anticlimax word

  • variable noun anticlimax You can describe something as an anticlimax if it disappoints you because it happens after something that was very exciting, or because it is not as exciting as you expected. 3
  • noun anticlimax a disappointing or ineffective conclusion to a series of events, etc 3
  • noun anticlimax a sudden change from a serious subject to one that is disappointing or ludicrous 3
  • noun anticlimax a descent in discourse from the significant or important to the trivial, inconsequential, etc 3
  • noun anticlimax a sudden drop from the dignified or important in thought or expression to the commonplace or trivial, sometimes for humorous effect 3
  • noun anticlimax a descent, as in a series of events, which is in ludicrous or disappointing contrast to a preceding rise 3

Information block about the term

Origin of anticlimax

First appearance:

before 1720
One of the 49% newest English words
First recorded in 1720-30; anti- + climax

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Anticlimax

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

anticlimax popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 87% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

anticlimax usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for anticlimax

noun anticlimax

  • letdown — a decrease in volume, force, energy, etc.: a letdown in sales; a general letdown of social barriers.
  • decline — If something declines, it becomes less in quantity, importance, or strength.
  • comedown — If you say that something is a comedown, you think that it is not as good as something else that you have just done or had.
  • descent — A descent is a movement from a higher to a lower level or position.
  • drop — a small quantity of liquid that falls or is produced in a more or less spherical mass; a liquid globule.

Antonyms for anticlimax

noun anticlimax

  • improvement — an act of improving or the state of being improved.
  • increase — to make greater, as in number, size, strength, or quality; augment; add to: to increase taxes.
  • boon — You can describe something as a boon when it makes life better or easier for someone.
  • success — the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals.
  • climax — The climax of something is the most exciting or important moment in it, usually near the end.

Top questions with anticlimax

  • what does anticlimax mean?
  • what is an anticlimax?
  • what is the meaning of anticlimax?
  • what is anticlimax?
  • what is the definition of anticlimax?

See also

Matching words

Was this page helpful?
Yes No
Thank you for your feedback! Tell your friends about this page
Tell us why?