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Apotheosis, n.

Pronunciation: əˌpäTHēˈōsəs

Meaning: In some circles, this word has a particular theological meaning. When speaking of divine things, apotheosis refers to the process of divine sanctification wherein a disciple of Christ, at some point in the next life, is elevated to the status of a divine being, a deity, a god. This was taught or alluded to in various biblical passages (Psalms 82:6; John 10:30-16; Roman 8:16; Revelation 3:21; 2 Peter 1:4) but is no longer accepted as doctrine among the various Christian denominations with the exception of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Christian apologist C. S. Lewis also believed in it. A synonym for this is the word deification.

However, the word is used in non-theological contexts as well. It refers to the highest point in the development of something; the culmination or the zenith, the apex, or the climax of something. That is how I usually employ the word.

Usage:

• His appearance as Hamlet was the apotheosis of his career.
• I am just getting started, am still a novice, and am nowhere near the apotheosis of my contributions.
• You did a fair job, but you still have a long way to go before you reach the apotheosis of your capabilities.