What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mountain
Example
The mountain was covered in snow and looked beautiful against the blue sky. [mountain: noun]
Example
We spent the weekend hiking up the mountain and enjoying the stunning views. [mountain: noun]
Example
The Rocky Mountains are a famous mountain range in North America. [mountain: noun]
peak
Example
The peak of the mountain was shrouded in clouds, making it difficult to see. [peak: noun]
Example
The peak of Mount Everest is the highest point on Earth. [peak: noun]
Example
The athlete reached the peak of his career when he won the gold medal at the Olympics. [peak: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mountain is a more common word than peak in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe a range of mountains or a group of peaks that are geographically connected. Peak is less commonly used but is often employed to describe a single, distinct summit.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mountain and peak?
Both mountain and peak are neutral words that can be used in various formality levels, from casual to formal contexts.