Horizon
/həˈraɪ.zən/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe line at which the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet.
/həˈraɪ.zən/
The line where the earth's surface and the sky appear to meet.
The ship disappeared over the horizon.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're at the beach or out in a field, and you see where the sky seems to touch the ground. That's the horizon! It's a great place to watch the sunset.
👶 For kids: The horizon is where the sky looks like it touches the ground.
More Examples
The mountains blocked our view of the horizon.
I watched the sunrise on the horizon.
How It's Used
"The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple."
"Sailors use the horizon to determine their position."
"The altitude of a celestial object is measured from the horizon."
The limit of a person's knowledge, experience, or interest.
/həˈraɪ.zən/
Travel can broaden your horizons.
💡 Simply: Your horizon is like what you know and understand. If you try new things, learn new things, and meet new people, you're expanding your horizons! You're learning more about the world.
👶 For kids: When you learn new things and see new places, you're making your horizon bigger!
More Examples
He wanted to expand his professional horizons.
Reading books can widen your horizons.
How It's Used
"Expanding one's horizons is essential for personal growth."
"Travel broadens your horizons."
"He hoped the new job would broaden his horizons."
A layer of soil or rock showing a particular stage of development.
/həˈraɪ.zən/
A geological stratum or level, as in a soil profile.
Scientists study soil horizons to understand soil development.
💡 Simply: In the ground, there are layers of dirt called horizons. Each layer looks a little different and has its own special stuff.
👶 For kids: Different layers of dirt in the ground are called horizons.
More Examples
The B horizon is typically richer in clay and minerals.
The O horizon is the topmost layer, containing organic matter.
How It's Used
"The soil horizon with the highest organic matter content is the A horizon."
"Each soil horizon has unique physical and chemical properties."
Idioms & expressions
broaden one's horizons
To expand one's knowledge, experience, and understanding.
"Traveling to different countries can broaden your horizons."
beyond the horizon
Out of sight; in the future or unknown.
"What's beyond the horizon is something we cannot yet see."
From Middle English *orizon*, from Old French *orizon*, from Latin *horizon*, from Ancient Greek ὁρίζων (horízōn, “bounding circle”), from ὁρίζω (horízō, “I bound, I limit”).
The word horizon has been used since the 14th century, evolving from its initial astronomical meaning to encompass broader figurative uses.
Memory tip
Imagine a line where the sky and ground kiss.
Word Origin
"bounding circle or limit"