Word
on top of
Definitions
01physically above
A2 · Elementary
prep. resting on the highest part or surface of something.
prep. positioned atop or resting upon the upper surface of an object.
“He left his car keys on top of the refrigerator so he wouldn't lose them.”
“The hikers finally reached the summit and stood on top of the mountain, looking down at the clouds below.”
Antonyms
02in addition to
B1 · Intermediate
prep. used to mention an extra thing, usually something bad, that happens as well as something else.
prep. denoting an additional circumstance or event, frequently one that compounds an existing difficulty or situation.
“On top of the heavy rain, our car broke down on the way home.”
“The company faced a massive fine on top of the negative publicity generated by the recent product recall.”
Synonyms
03in control of
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
prep. to be fully informed about something and managing it well.
prep. maintaining awareness, control, or mastery over a task, situation, or set of information.
“She stays on top of her emails by checking her inbox every hour.”
“The project manager struggled to stay on top of the changing regulations, which threatened to delay the construction schedule.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Teaching tip
distinguish between the literal spatial meaning (position) and the figurative meaning (addition or control); the 'control' sense is often used with the verb 'stay' or 'be'.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/on-top-of