top

Everyday

1. The top is the highest part of something: the top of the hill. tree →
2. The top is the upper surface or the lid: the top of the table, a bottle top. tree →
3. A top is a piece of clothing for the upper body, like a T-shirt. tree →
4. A top (spinning top) is a toy that spins on a point. tree →
5. Top means best or highest: the top mark, top speed. tree →
6. To top something is to put something on it, or to be better than it. tree →
7. To top something off means to finish it, often with a final touch. tree →

In the lessons

Maths: the highest part (top shelf, top of a hill); tops as clothes counted; the top row of a table; the top number of a fraction is the numerator. Everyday: on top of, from top to bottom, top up (fill up again), toppings on pizza.

Examples

• She put 5 books on the top shelf. tree →
• He climbed to the top of the hill in 30 minutes. tree →
• Mia bought 3 tops for 12 dollars each. tree →
• The top layer has 10 cookies. tree →
• The top number of a fraction tells how many parts you have. tree →
• Put the top back on the glue stick. tree →
• She came top of the class in spelling. tree →
• The spinning top wobbled and fell over. tree →
• ‘Top Off,’ said the Cat drily. tree →

Note

Countable noun; verb doubles the p: topped. A place word or a thing counted; no operation by itself. Trap: «top up» means add more to fill again. Opposite: bottom.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Mountain tops such as Sinai and Moriah are places where God meets people. High places are holy or forbidden, depending on the worship held there. In the primary lessons: Maths: the highest part (top shelf, top of a hill); tops as clothes counted; the top row of a table; the top number of a fraction is the numerator. Everyday: on top of, from top to bottom, top up (fill up again), toppings on pizza.

Examples

• So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. (Writings EST.5.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Balak took Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh down upon the desert. (Torah NUM.23.28, JPS 1917) tree →
• In the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she standeth; (Writings PRO.8.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he went up to him; and, behold, he sat on the top of the hill. (Prophets 2KI.1.9, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun; verb doubles the p: topped. A place word or a thing counted; no operation by itself. Trap: «top up» means add more to fill again. Opposite: bottom.