What is top? Pronunciation and usage in English

top means . Learn how to pronounce and use top through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of top

topnoun

/tɒp/
Definition & pronunciation of top

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "top" in English. There are two main ways it's pronounced, and they depend on where you are:

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /tɑp/ (TAP)
  • Sound: It sounds like the word "tap" as in tapping a pen. The 'o' is a short, open 'a' sound, like in "apple."

2. British English (RP - Received Pronunciation - the "standard" British accent):

  • Pronunciation: /ɒp/ (OP)
  • Sound: It sounds like the word "op" as in a short "o" sound, like in "opt."

Here's a quick comparison to help you tell the difference:

Feature American English British English
'o' sound /ɑ/ (short 'a') /ɒ/ (short 'o')
Overall sound TAP OP

Resources to help you hear the difference:

  • Google Translate: Type "top" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear both pronunciations.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/top/ – You can listen to native speakers pronounce it in different accents.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word top in English

Let's break down how to use the word "top" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with lots of different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Things that are at the highest point):

  • The top of something: This is the most common meaning. It refers to the highest part of an object.
    • "The top of the mountain"
    • "The top shelf"
    • "She put the book on the top of the table."
  • The highest level/rank: Used for rankings, positions, or achievements.
    • "He’s at the top of his class."
    • "She’s the top salesperson."
    • "The top dog in the industry" (meaning the leader)
  • The very best: Similar to "highest rank," but more focused on excellence.
    • “That’s the top choice.”
  • A roof (building):
    • “The house has a lovely top.” (referring to the roof)

2. As a Verb (To reach the highest point; to finish):

  • To reach the top of something: To climb or arrive at the highest point.
    • "I topped the hill."
    • "He topped the leaderboard."
  • To finish (a task, exam, etc.): This is a very common usage, especially in British English.
    • "I’ve topped my exam." (meaning I’ve finished and done well)
    • "Did you top the list?" (Did you finish first?)
  • To put something on top:
    • "Please top the cake with frosting."

3. As an Adjective (Describing something that is the best):

  • Top quality: Excellent quality.
    • "This is a top brand."
  • Top performer: Someone who does very well.
    • "She’s a top performer."
  • Top priority: Most important.
    • “Saving money is my top priority.”
  • Top secret: Very confidential.
    • "The information is top secret."

4. Idiomatic Expressions (Phrases using "top"):

  • To turn over a new top: To start something new.
  • To be on top of things: To be in control and organized.
  • To top it off: To add something extra, often something positive.
  • To top the bill: To be the main attraction. (Often in entertainment)
  • Top-notch: Excellent, outstanding. ("That's top-notch work!")

Here's a quick guide to usage:

  • American English: Tends to use “top” as a noun more frequently, especially related to items being in a position. “Top” as a verb (to finish) is less common.
  • British English: “Top” as a verb (to finish) is very common. You'll hear it used a lot in exam contexts, for example.

To help me give you even more tailored information, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "top" in? (e.g., writing a sentence, understanding a conversation, figuring out if you're using it correctly)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use "top"?

Synonyms for the word top

Idioms of the word top

at the top/bottom of the heap
high up/low down in the structure of an organization or a society
  • These workers are at the bottom of the economic heap.
at the top of the tree
in the highest position or rank in a profession or career
    at the top of your voice
    as loudly as possible
    • She was screaming at the top of her voice.
    • I was shouting at the top of my voice but she couldn't hear me.
    blow your top
    (informal)to get very angry
      (at the) bottom/top of the pile
      in the least/most important position in a group of people or things
      • It’s been 20 years since a British player was top of the pile.
      • The government is doing little to help those at the bottom of the social pile.
      come out on top
      to win a contest or an argument
      • In most boardroom disputes he tends to come out on top.
      from top to bottom
      going to every part of a place in a very careful way
      • We cleaned the house from top to bottom.
      from top to toe
      completely; all over
      • She was dressed in green from top to toe.
      get on top of somebody
      to be too much for somebody to manage or deal with
      • All this extra work is getting on top of him.
      get on top of something
      to manage to control or deal with something
      • How will I ever get on top of all this work?
      off the top of your head
      (informal)just guessing or using your memory, without taking time to think carefully or check the facts
      • I can't remember the name off the top of my head, but I can look it up for you.
      on top
      on the highest point or surface
      • a cake with cream on top
      • Stand on top and look down.
      in a leading position or in control
      • She remained on top for the rest of the match.
      in addition
      • Look, here's 30 dollars, and I'll buy you lunch on top.
      on top of something/somebody
      on, over or covering something/somebody
      • Books were piled on top of one another.
      • There was a vase on top of the bookcase.
      • Many people were crushed when the building collapsed on top of them.
      in addition to something
      • He gets commission on top of his salary.
      • On top of everything else, my car's been stolen.
      very close to something/somebody
      • We were all living on top of each other in that tiny apartment.
      in control of a situation
      • Do you think he's really on top of his job?
      • Work tends to pile up if I don’t keep on top of it.
      on top of the world
      very happy or proud
        over the top
        (especially British English, informal)done with too much acting, emotion or effort
        • His performance is completely over the top.
        • an over-the-top reaction
        take something from the top
        (informal)to go back to the beginning of a song, piece of music, etc. and repeat it
        • OK, everybody, let's take it from the top.
        thin/bald on top
        (informal)with little or no hair on the head
        • He's starting to get a little thin on top (= he's losing his hair).
        • He's going bald on top.
        up top
        (British English, informal)used to talk about a person’s intelligence
        • He hasn't got much up top (= he isn't very intelligent).
        • It’s what’s up top (= how intelligent you are) that matters.

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