A2noun 1K

Top

UK /["/tɒp/"]/ US /["/tɑːp/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

the highest part or point of something

Listen to definition

In simple words: the highest point or part of something

Examples

• He always wears a hat at the top of his head.
• The top of the mountain was covered in snow.
• She aims to reach the top of her profession one day.
• The box is on the top shelf, so I need a ladder to get it.
• He was the top student in his class last year.

Usage notes

Use 'top' to refer to the highest point in both physical and metaphorical contexts. It is appropriate in casual and formal settings but avoid it when discussing specific ranks, where 'first' may be more suitable.

Grammar pattern

top + object

Memory hint

Think of a mountain top—it's the highest part you can reach.

Collocations

• extreme
• very
• cliff
• at the top
• on top
• to the top
• from top to bottom
• extreme
• very
• cliff
• at the top
• on top
• to the top
• from top to bottom
• halter
• hooded
• long-sleeved
• bottle
• lift
• lift off
• pop
• get to
• make it to
• reach
• at the top
• on top
• to the top
• top of the agenda
• top of the class

Synonyms

• peak
• summit
• apex
• zenith
• crest

Antonyms

• bottom
• base

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'tip' but 'top' refers to the highest point.
• Using 'topped' incorrectly as a past tense with non-physical subjects.
• Misplacing 'top' when translating from languages with different structures.