Word
topography
Phoneticsto·pog·ra·phy, stress on the second syllable
US/təˈpɑɡɹəfi/
UK/təpˈɒɡɹəfi/
Definitions
01physical land features
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. the shape of the land, including its height and the position of things like hills and rivers.
n. the physical features of an area of land, specifically its relief and the position of natural and man-made elements.
“The steep topography of the island made it difficult to build new roads.”
“The rugged topography of the region presented significant challenges for the engineers tasked with designing the high-speed rail link.”
02mapping and surveying
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the science of mapping or describing the surface features of a place.
n. the detailed mapping or charting of the features of a relatively small area, district, or locality.
“The hikers used a map that showed the topography of the mountain range.”
“Advanced satellite imaging has allowed for the precise topography of the ocean floor to be mapped in unprecedented detail.”
Synonyms
03figurative landscape
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Academic · Literary
n. the way different ideas or parts of a situation are organized.
n. a figurative representation of the structure or arrangement of a complex entity or field of study.
“The book explores the changing topography of modern politics.”
“The essay examines the shifting topography of social media and its impact on contemporary political discourse.”
Real-World Examples
“Experts say the risk of such events is compounded by the extreme topography of the Himalayas.” “Pettitt wrote that there was “no clearer example of the interaction between cave topography, shadow and art in the Paleolithic use of deep caves.”
But Garate wasn’t sure the effect was intentional.” “Now, a new study published in Geology reveals that topography is the key factor controlling how mountain erosion responds to large earthquakes.” Etymology
First attested in 1432. From Middle English topographye, from Latin topographia, from Ancient Greek τοπογραφία (topographía), from τόπος (tópos, “place”) + γράφω (gráphō, “I write”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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