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Bottom: meaning, definitions and examples

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bottom

 

[ˈbɒtəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

of a container

The lowest part or deepest point of something, especially a container.

Synonyms

base, foot, foundation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bottom

Used to describe the lowest part of something, such as a surface or a container. Often informal and general.

  • He reached the bottom of the pool.
  • Check the bottom of the box for the missing piece.
base

Refers to the lowest part of a physical structure or a figurative concept, like an idea. Used in both formal and informal settings.

  • The base of the mountain is covered with snow.
  • The base of his argument was solid evidence.
foundation

Used to describe the solid base on which a building or an idea is built. Often used in formal contexts.

  • The foundation of the house was laid last week.
  • Trust is the foundation of any good relationship.
foot

Typically used to describe the lowest part of something vertical, like a mountain or a bed. Often formal.

  • They camped at the foot of the hill.
  • He put his shoes at the foot of the bed.

Examples of usage

  • The key is at the bottom of the drawer.
  • She found her lost earring at the bottom of her purse.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

The lower part or back side of something, such as clothing.

Synonyms

border, edge, hem.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bottom

Used to denote the lowest horizontal part of an object, frequently related to the lower end or surface when it's laying flat.

  • The bookcase has a drawer at the bottom
  • The bottom of the pool needs cleaning
hem

Typically used to describe the finished edge or a sewn border on a piece of cloth, usually found in clothing.

  • She noticed a small tear in the hem of her skirt
  • He carefully hemmed the edges of the fabric
edge

Used to talk about the outer boundary or terminating point of something, can be physical or metaphorical.

  • He stood at the edge of the cliff
  • She's on the edge of giving up
border

Used to denote the dividing line or boundary between two regions, such as countries or properties, or figuratively between different concepts.

  • They crossed the border into Canada
  • The question borders on the absurd

Examples of usage

  • He scribbled his signature on the bottom of the contract.
  • The bottom of her dress was adorned with lace.
Context #3 | Noun

position

The lowest or last place in a ranking or hierarchy.

Synonyms

base, end, lowest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bottom

Used to describe the lowest part of something, often in physical or hierarchical terms.

  • The bottom of the ocean is home to many strange creatures.
  • He felt like he was at the bottom of the company’s ranking.
end

References the final point of something, where it stops or concludes.

  • The end of the book was very surprising.
  • At the end of the day, we were all exhausted.
base

Often refers to the foundational part or starting point of something, with emphasis on support and stability.

  • The base of the statue was made of solid marble.
  • In mathematics, the base of a logarithm is a key factor.
lowest

Typically used to describe a position that is the least high or least intense, often in a comparative or superlative sense.

  • This is the lowest price I’ve ever seen for this product.
  • She scored the lowest among all the participants.

Examples of usage

  • The team finished at the bottom of the league.
  • She was at the bottom of her class in math.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'bottom' comes from the Old English 'botm,' meaning the lowest part or ground surface.
  • Historically, it has been used since the early 14th century to describe various forms and levels of terrain.
  • In different languages, similar words exist; for example, 'fondo' in Italian means 'bottom' or 'depth.'

Geography

  • In geography, 'bottom' can refer to the lowest land area, such as valleys and ocean floors.
  • Many lakes have a 'bottom' which is crucial for ecosystems, yielding habitats for various aquatic life.
  • The term 'river bottom' describes the floodplain where rivers overflow, creating fertile land for agriculture.

Pop Culture

  • In cartoons and media, characters often cause a comedic splash when they land on their 'bottom' after a fall.
  • The phrase 'painting the town red' sometimes refers to enjoying nightlife, with 'bottom' insinuating partying bottom to top!
  • In fashion, 'bottoms' refer to pants or skirts, emphasizing the lower half of an outfit, and can reflect personal style.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the 'bottom' can symbolize the lowest emotional state before recovery, often referred to as 'rock bottom.'
  • Metaphorically, reaching your 'bottom' can be a crucial step in personal growth and self-improvement.
  • The concept of 'bottoming out' is used to describe reaching a mental or emotional low, prompting change.

Science

  • In physics, objects at rest, like a ball at the bottom of a hill, showcase gravitational forces in action.
  • In marine science, the 'ocean bottom' is a rich area for study, revealing secrets about marine life and sediment.
  • Studies about the Earth's 'bottom' layers help us understand geological phenomena and tectonic activities.

Translations

Translations of the word "bottom" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fundo

🇮🇳 नीचे का हिस्सा

🇩🇪 unten

🇮🇩 bawah

🇺🇦 дно

🇵🇱 dół

🇯🇵 底

🇫🇷 bas

🇪🇸 fondo

🇹🇷 alt

🇰🇷 바닥

🇸🇦 أسفل

🇨🇿 dno

🇸🇰 dno

🇨🇳 底部

🇸🇮 dno

🇮🇸 botn

🇰🇿 төменгі бөлік

🇬🇪 ქვედა ნაწილი

🇦🇿 aşağı

🇲🇽 fondo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,259, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.