Climactic or Climatic?

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Climactic or Climatic?

What is the difference between "climactic" and "climatic"?
  • "Climactic" means final, ultimate, or concluding. It comes from "climax," so carries the connotation of "the highest point." For example:
    • It is a climactic ending to the film.
    • We are nearing the climactic events that end with the Second Coming of Christ. (Evangelist Hal Lindsey)
  • "Climatic" means relating to the climate. For example:
    • Tree growth is mostly determined by climatic events.
    • On Earth, we still have a beautiful atmosphere that precisely maintains a thermally driven climatic system that shelters, shields, and sustains our natural treasures. (US politician Jay Inslee)
climactic or climatic?
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More about "Climactic" and "Climatic"

"Climactic" and "climatic" look similar, but their meanings are quite different.

Climactic

The adjective "climactic" derives from the noun "climax." It pertains to a peak, a decisive moment, or the point of greatest tension.

Example sentences with "climactic":
  • In the climactic scene of the movie, the aliens emerge from the capsule and start zapping the onlookers.
  • Who would have thought that the season would have ended in such a climactic way?

Climatic

The adjective "climatic" derives from the noun "climate." It usually pertains to the weather.

Example sentences with "climatic":
  • Climatic change is defined as the long-term significant change in the expected patterns of weather.
  • His assessment of the eco-climatic system over Africa is based solely on satellite data.
Interactive Exercise
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See Also

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