nadir
NAY-deer
noun
the lowest point; the low-water mark; the time of greatest struggle or opposition or adversity or depression; the opposite of zenith
1860Anthony TrollopeCastle RichmondHe did not, indeed, perceive the aesthetic value of sin—he did not perceive the esthetic value of anything—and his analysis of human nature was not profound enough to reach the conception of sin, crime being to him the nadir of downward possibility—but he had a professional, a sort of half Scotland Yard, half master of hounds interest in a criminal.1921Louis Joseph VanceRed MasqueradeThe formulation of this question marked the turning point in Sofia's descent toward the nadir of shame and anguish; from the moment its significance was clearly apprehended (but it took her long to reach this stage) the complexion of her thoughts took on another colour, and the smart of chagrin was soothed even as the irritation excited by critical examination of Victor's conduct grew more acute.1938Clark Ashton SmithThe Maze of Maal Dweb...avoid the pale porphyry stairs that wound heavenward through dizzy, nadir-cleaving chasms…1971Alistair MacLeanBear IslandIt is a fact that when a person reaches that nadir of nausea which is the inevitable prelude to violent sickness the complexion does assume a hue which can only be described as greenish…Labels: Alistair MacLean, Anthony Trollope, Clark Ashton Smith, Louis Joseph Vance
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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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