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Top: meaning, definitions and examples

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top

 

[tɒp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

of a list

The highest or uppermost point, part, or surface of something.

Synonyms

crest, peak, pinnacle, summit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
top

Used to refer to the highest point of something, be it a physical object or a hierarchical position. It is a versatile word and can be applied in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She placed the book on the top shelf.
  • He reached the top of his career early.
peak

Commonly used to describe the highest point of a mountain. It can also refer to the highest point of achievement or intensity.

  • They climbed to the peak of Mount Everest.
  • She was at the peak of her performance during the concert.
summit

Generally used to describe the highest point of a hill or mountain. It is also used in political contexts to refer to high-level meetings between world leaders.

  • They reached the summit of the mountain after a grueling hike.
  • The leaders met at the G8 summit to discuss global issues.
crest

Often used to describe the top of a wave, hill, or mountain. It can also refer to the highest point of something that is generally in motion.

  • They stood on the crest of the hill, looking down into the valley.
  • The surfer rode the crest of the wave gracefully.
pinnacle

Typically used in a formal context to indicate the highest point of success, power, or development. It often implies a remarkable or exceptional level.

  • Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of his career.
  • The tower tapered off into a sharp pinnacle.

Examples of usage

  • This is the top floor of the building.
  • The mountain top was covered in snow.
  • She reached the top of her career.
Context #2 | Noun

clothing

A garment covering the upper part of the body.

Synonyms

blouse, shirt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
top

A 'top' is a general term for any upper garment worn above the waist. It can be used for casual, formal, or sportswear. 'Top' is commonly used when the specific type of upper garment is not important.

  • She wore a comfortable top and jeans for the outing.
  • I need a new top for my workout sessions.
blouse

A 'blouse' is a more specific type of top, typically worn by women. It's often used in professional or formal settings, but can also be part of casual attire. Blouses are usually more dressy than casual tops or shirts.

  • She paired her elegant blouse with a pencil skirt for the interview.
  • I like to wear a light blouse on warm summer days.
shirt

A 'shirt' is a common upper garment worn by both men and women. It usually refers to a button-up shirt with a collar. Shirts are often used in both casual and professional environments.

  • He wore a crisp white shirt to the business meeting.
  • On weekends, I prefer wearing a flannel shirt.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a red top with jeans.
  • He prefers to wear tops rather than shirts.
Context #3 | Verb

reach the highest point

To reach or exceed the highest point or level of something.

Synonyms

beat, exceed, surpass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
top

Use when talking about being the highest in rank, amount, or position. Often used in competitive contexts or to highlight achievement.

  • She topped her class in the final exams.
  • The team topped the league after winning the last match.
surpass

Use when something goes beyond what was previously achieved or expected, often in terms of quality or performance.

  • Her performance surpassed all previous records.
  • This new technology will surpass the old methods in efficiency.
exceed

Use when indicating that something has gone beyond a certain limit or expectation, often in terms of quantities, standards, or limits.

  • The sales this quarter exceeded expectations.
  • The temperature exceeded 40 degrees Celsius today.
beat

Use when referring to winning against an opponent, or achieving a higher score than someone else. Often used in sports or competitive settings.

  • They beat their rivals in the championship game.
  • I finally beat my high score in the game.

Examples of usage

  • The team aims to top their previous score.
  • The song topped the charts for weeks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'topp', meaning 'the top or end of something'.
  • In Middle English, 'top' was used in various dialects to describe the highest point or peak.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, climbing to the top symbolizes achievement and success, often associated with reaching one's goals.
  • The phrase 'top of the class' indicates a person who performs best in their studies, highlighting the importance placed on being at the top.

Science

  • In physics, the term 'top' can also refer to a spinning object, demonstrating angular momentum.
  • The 'top' concept is used in various fields, from topological structures in mathematics to leading positions in organizational hierarchies.

Pop Culture

  • The popular game, 'Top Gun', showcases pilots training to be the best or 'top' in their field.
  • In music, many songs reference 'top' to express feelings of being on top of the world or achieving greatness.

Literature

  • The phrase 'the cream rises to the top' is frequently used in literature to suggest that the best people or things eventually stand out.
  • In fairy tales, characters often aim to reach the 'top' in their adventures, symbolizing personal growth and peak experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "top" in other languages:

🇵🇹 topo

🇮🇳 शीर्ष (shīrṣ)

🇩🇪 Spitze

🇮🇩 puncak

🇺🇦 верхівка

🇵🇱 szczyt

🇯🇵 頂点 (chōten)

🇫🇷 sommet

🇪🇸 cima

🇹🇷 zirve

🇰🇷 정상 (jeongsang)

🇸🇦 قمة (qimma)

🇨🇿 vrchol

🇸🇰 vrchol

🇨🇳 顶部 (dǐngbù)

🇸🇮 vrh

🇮🇸 toppur

🇰🇿 шың (shyñ)

🇬🇪 ტოპი (ṭopi)

🇦🇿 zirvə

🇲🇽 cima

Word Frequency Rank

At #611 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.