Top vs. Summit — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Top refers to the highest point or part of an object, like the top of a building, while summit specifically denotes the highest point of a hill or mountain, often reached as a climber's goal.
Difference Between Top and Summit
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Top is a general term used to describe the highest or uppermost part of something, applicable to a wide range of objects, from a table to a tower. Whereas, summit is specifically used to denote the highest point of geographical features like mountains or hills.
Top can refer to the surface or highest layer of an object, implying its accessibility and visibility. On the other hand, reaching a summit often requires effort or a journey, particularly in the context of mountaineering or hiking.
In everyday language, "top" is used metaphorically to signify superiority or dominance in various fields, such as "top of the class" or "top performer." Summit, however, is less commonly used metaphorically and retains a strong association with physical geography.
In terms of hierarchy, "top" can also indicate a position of authority or highest rank in an organization. Whereas summit can refer to high-level meetings between heads of government or leaders, emphasizing a pinnacle gathering or event.
Top is also versatile in its usage in phrases and idioms, such as "off the top of my head" or "top-notch," suggesting quality or spontaneity. Summit is used more literally and is less common in casual expressions, usually remaining tied to its geographical or formal meeting context.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
General Usage
Refers to highest part of any object or surface
Specifically the highest point of geographical elevations like mountains
Connotation
Can imply superiority, quality, or dominance in various contexts
Often associated with the culmination of a physical or metaphorical ascent
Metaphorical Use
Frequently used metaphorically in various contexts
Less commonly used metaphorically, more literal
Related to Effort
Less emphasis on effort, more on position or status
Implies a journey or effort, especially in physical and diplomatic contexts
Common Phrases
"Top of the class", "top-notch"
"Summit meeting", "reach the summit"
Compare with Definitions
Top
Most important or first to be considered.
Safety is our top priority.
Summit
Highest point of a mountain.
They reached the summit of Mount Everest.
Top
Leading position in a hierarchy.
She is at the top of her class.
Summit
Meeting of heads of state.
The summit between the two leaders is scheduled for next week.
Top
Highest surface or part.
The book is on the top shelf.
Summit
Highest achievable level in an activity.
She reached the summit of her academic pursuits.
Top
Superior quality or degree.
They offer top service.
Summit
Peak of a meeting or conference.
The peace talks culminated in a summit.
Top
Covering or overlay.
He placed a hat on top of his head.
Summit
Climactic point or peak.
His career hit a new summit with that award.
Top
The highest or uppermost point, part, or surface of something
Doreen stood at the top of the stairs
Fill the cup almost to the top
The springy turf of the clifftop
Summit
A summit is a point on a surface that is higher in elevation than all points immediately adjacent to it. The topographic terms acme, apex, peak (mountain peak), and zenith are synonymous.
Top
A lid, cover, or cap
He removed the top from his ballpoint
Beer bottle tops
Summit
The highest point of a hill or mountain
She climbed back up the path towards the summit
Top
The highest or most important rank, level, or position
The people at the top must be competent
Her talent will take her right to the top
Summit
A meeting between heads of government
Two binding treaties were agreed at the summit
A summit meeting
Top
A garment covering the upper part of the body and worn with a skirt, trousers, or shorts
She bought a couple of new tops
He was wearing a hooded top
Summit
Reach the summit of (a mountain or hill)
In 2013, 658 climbers summited Everest
They started climbing at 3:45 a.m. and summited at 8:45 p.m.
Top
The end of something that is furthest from the speaker or a point of reference
The bus shelter at the top of the road
Summit
The highest point or part; the top.
Top
Short for topspin
Summit
The highest level or degree that can be attained.
Top
A bundle of long wool fibres prepared for spinning.
Summit
The highest level, as of government officials.
Top
One of six flavours of quark.
Summit
A conference or meeting of high-level leaders, usually called to shape a program of action.
Top
A man who takes the active role in anal intercourse with another man.
Summit
To climb to the summit of (a mountain).
Top
A conical, spherical, or pear-shaped toy that with a quick or vigorous twist may be set to spin.
Summit
To climb to the summit.
Top
Used in names of top shells, e.g. strawberry top.
Summit
(countable) A peak; the topmost point or surface, as of a mountain.
In summer, it is possible to hike to the summit of Mount Shasta.
Top
Highest in position, rank, or degree
The top button of his shirt
A top executive
Summit
(countable) A gathering or assembly of leaders.
They met for an international summit on environmental issues.
Top
Furthest away from the speaker or a point of reference
The top end of Fulham Road
Summit
To reach the summit of a mountain.
Top
Exceed (an amount, level, or number); be more than
Losses are expected to top £100 m this year
Summit
Something
I need to get summit to eat.
Top
Provide with a top or topping
Toast topped with baked beans
Summit
The top; the highest point.
Fixed on the summit of the highest mount.
Top
Reach the top of (a hill or other elevation)
They topped a rise and began a slow descent
Summit
The highest degree; the utmost elevation; the acme; as, the summit of human fame.
Top
Kill
I wasn't sorry when he topped himself
Summit
The most elevated part of a bivalve shell, or the part in which the hinge is situated.
Top
Mishit (the ball or a stroke) by hitting above the centre of the ball
He topped his drive on the fifth hole
Sliced and topped shots
Summit
The highest level or degree attainable;
His landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
The artist's gifts are at their acme
At the height of her career
The peak of perfection
Summer was at its peak
...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
The summit of his ambition
So many highest superlatives achieved by man
At the top of his profession
Top
At the most
Some civil servant earning twenty-eight thousand a year, tops
Summit
The top point of a mountain or hill;
The view from the peak was magnificent
They clambered to the summit of Monadnock
Top
The uppermost part, point, surface, or end
Wrote on the top of the box.
Summit
A meeting of heads of governments
Top
The part farthest from a given reference point
Took a jump shot from the top of the key.
Summit
Reach the summit of a mountain;
Many mountaineers go up Mt. Everest but not all summit
Top
The crown of the head
From top to toe.
Top
The part of a plant, such as a rutabaga, that is above the ground.
Top
Something, such as a lid or cap, that covers or forms an uppermost part.
Top
A garment worn on the upper half of the body.
Top
(Nautical) A platform enclosing the head of the lower section of a mast of a square-rigged vessel, to which the topmast shrouds are attached.
Top
The highest degree, pitch, or point; the peak, acme, or zenith
"It had come at a time when he was not feeling at the top of his form" (Anthony Powell).
Top
The highest position or rank
At the top of his profession.
Top
A person in this position.
Top
(Games) The highest card or cards in a suit or hand.
Top
The best part.
Top
The earliest part or beginning
She played the piece again, from the top.
Top
(Baseball) The first half of an inning.
Top
A stroke that lands above the center of a ball, as in golf or tennis, giving it a forward spin.
Top
A forward spin on a ball resulting from such a stroke.
Top
(Slang) One who penetrates the other person or is the dominant partner in a sexual encounter or relationship.
Top
A toy having one end tapered to a point, allowing it to be spun, as by suddenly pulling a string wound around it.
Top
Situated at the top
The top shelf.
Top
Of the highest degree, quality, rank, or amount
In top form.
The top ten bestsellers.
Top
In a position of preeminence
The top historian in her department.
Top
To form, furnish with, or serve as a top
Topped the ice cream with jimmies.
Top
To reach or go over the top of
The car topped the hill.
Top
To exceed or surpass
The car's speed topped 80 miles an hour. Her performance really topped his.
Top
To be at the head of
She topped her class.
Top
To remove the top or uppermost part from; crop
Topped the fruit trees.
Top
To strike the upper part of (a ball), giving it forward spin.
Top
To make (a stroke) in this way.
Top
To make a finish, an end, or a conclusion.
Top
The highest or uppermost part of something.
His kite got caught at the top of the tree.
Top
(irrespective of present orientation) the part of something that is usually the top.
We flipped the machine onto its top.
Top
The uppermost part of a page, picture, viewing screen, etc.
Further weather information can be found at the top of your television screen.
Headings appear at the tops of pages.
Top
A lid, cap or cover of a container.
Put a top on the toothpaste tube or it will go bad.
Top
A garment worn to cover the torso.
I bought this top as it matches my jeans.
I like this pyjama top.
Top
A framework at the top of a ship's mast to which rigging is attached.
Top
(baseball) The first half of an inning, during which the home team fields and the visiting team bats.
Top
(archaic) The crown of the head, or the hair upon it; the head.
Top
The near end of somewhere
The patio is at the top of my garden.
The shop is at the top of my street.
Top
A child’s spinning toy; a spinning top.
The boy was amazed at how long the top would spin.
Top
(heading) Someone who is eminent.
Top
(archaic) The chief person; the most prominent one.
Top
The highest rank; the most honourable position; the utmost attainable place.
To be at the top of one's class, or at the top of the school
Top
(BDSM) A dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay.
Top
(gay slang) A man penetrating or with a preference for penetrating during homosexual intercourse.
I prefer being a top, and my boyfriend prefers being a bottom.
Top
Oral stimulation of the male member, a blowjob.
Top
(particle physics) A top quark.
Top
The utmost degree; the acme; the summit.
Top
(ropemaking) A plug, or conical block of wood, with longitudinal grooves on its surface, in which the strands of the rope slide in the process of twisting.
Top
(sound) Highest pitch or loudest volume.
She sang at the top of her voice.
Top
(wool manufacture) A bundle or ball of slivers of combed wool, from which the noils, or dust, have been taken out.
Top
(obsolete, except in one sense of phrase on top of) Eve; verge; point.
Top
The part of a cut gem between the girdle, or circumference, and the table, or flat upper surface.
Top
Topboots.
Top
A stroke on the top of the ball.
Top
A forward spin given to the ball by hitting it on or near the top; topspin
Top
(A table at which there is, or which has enough seats for) a group of a specified number of people eating at a restaurant.
Top
To cover on the top or with a top.
I like my ice cream topped with chocolate sauce.
Top
To excel, to surpass, to beat, to exceed.
Titanic was the most successful film ever until it was topped by another Cameron film, Avatar.
Top
To be in the lead, to be at number one position (of).
Celine Dion topped the UK music charts twice in the 1990s.
Top
To cut or remove the top (as of a tree)
I don't want to be bald, so just top my hair.
Top and tail the carrots.
Top
To commit suicide.
Depression causes many people to top themselves.
Top
To murder.
Top
(BDSM) To be the dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay.
I used to be a slave, but I ended up topping.
Giving advice to the dominant partner on how to run the BDSM session is called "topping from the bottom".
Top
To anally penetrate in gay sex.
Top
(archaic) To rise aloft; to be eminent; to tower.
Topping passions
Top
(archaic) To excel; to rise above others.
Top
(nautical) To raise one end of (a yard, etc.), making it higher than the other.
Top
(dyeing) To cover with another dye.
To top aniline black with methyl violet to prevent greening
Top
To put a stiffening piece or back on (a saw blade).
Top
To arrange (fruit, etc.) with the best on top.
Top
(of a horse) To strike the top of (an obstacle) with the hind feet while jumping, so as to gain new impetus.
Top
To improve (domestic animals, especially sheep) by crossing certain individuals or breeds with other superior breeds.
Top
To cut, break, or otherwise take off the top of (a steel ingot) to remove unsound metal.
Top
(golf) To strike (the ball) above the centre; also, to make (a stroke, etc.) by hitting the ball in this way.
Top
Situated on the top of something.
Top
(informal) Best; of the highest quality or rank.
She's in the top dance school.
Top
(informal) Very good, of high quality, power, or rank.
He's a top lawyer.
That is a top car.
Top
Rated first.
She came top in her French exam.
Top
A child's toy, commonly in the form of a conoid or pear, made to spin on its point, usually by drawing off a string wound round its surface or stem, the motion being sometimes continued by means of a whip.
Top
A plug, or conical block of wood, with longitudital grooves on its surface, in which the strands of the rope slide in the process of twisting.
Top
The highest part of anything; the upper end, edge, or extremity; the upper side or surface; summit; apex; vertex; cover; lid; as, the top of a spire; the top of a house; the top of a mountain; the top of the ground.
The star that bids the shepherd fold,Now the top of heaven doth hold.
Top
The utmost degree; the acme; the summit.
The top of my ambition is to contribute to that work.
Top
The highest rank; the most honorable position; the utmost attainable place; as, to be at the top of one's class, or at the top of the school.
And wears upon his baby brow the roundAnd top of sovereignty.
Top
The chief person; the most prominent one.
Other . . . aspired to be the top of zealots.
Top
The crown of the head, or the hair upon it; the head.
All the stored vengeance of Heaven fallOn her ungrateful top !
Top
The head, or upper part, of a plant.
The buds . . . are called heads, or tops, as cabbageheads.
Top
A platform surrounding the head of the lower mast and projecting on all sudes. It serves to spead the topmast rigging, thus strengheningthe mast, and also furnishes a convenient standing place for the men aloft.
Top
A bundle or ball of slivers of comkbed wool, from which the noils, or dust, have been taken out.
Top
Eve; verge; point.
Top
The part of a cut gem between the girdle, or circumference, and the table, or flat upper surface.
Top
Top-boots.
Top
A stroke on the top of the ball.
Top
To rise aloft; to be eminent; to tower; as, lofty ridges and topping mountains.
Top
To predominate; as, topping passions.
Top
To excel; to rise above others.
But write thy, and top.
Top
To strike a ball above the center.
Top
To rise at one end, as a yard; - usually with up.
Top
To cover on the top; to tip; to cap; - chiefly used in the past participle.
Like moving mountains topped with snow.
A mountOf alabaster, topped with golden spires.
Top
To rise above; to excel; to outgo; to surpass.
Topping all others in boasting.
Edmund the base shall top the legitimate.
Top
To rise to the top of; to go over the top of.
But wind about till thou hast topped the hill.
Top
To take off the or upper part of; to crop.
Top your rose trees a little with your knife.
Top
To perform eminently, or better than before.
From endeavoring universally to top their parts, they will go universally beyond them.
Top
To raise one end of, as a yard, so that that end becomes higher than the other.
Top
To cover with another dye; as, to top aniline black with methyl violet to prevent greening and crocking.
Top
To put a stiffening piece or back on (a saw blade).
Top
To arrange, as fruit, with the best on top.
Top
To strike the top of, as a wall, with the hind feet, in jumping, so as to gain new impetus; - said of a horse.
Top
To improve (domestic animals, esp. sheep) by crossing certain individuals or breeds with other superior.
Top
To raise one end of, as a yard, so that that end becomes higher than the other.
Top
To cut, break, or otherwise take off the top of (a steel ingot) to remove unsound metal.
Top
To strike (the ball) above the center; also, to make (as a stroke) by hitting the ball in this way.
Top
The upper part of anything;
The mower cuts off the tops of the grass
The title should be written at the top of the first page
Top
The highest or uppermost side of anything;
Put your books on top of the desk
Only the top side of the box was painted
Top
The top point of a mountain or hill;
The view from the peak was magnificent
They clambered to the summit of Monadnock
Top
The first half of an inning; while the visiting team is at bat;
A relief pitcher took over in the top of the fifth
Top
The highest level or degree attainable;
His landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
The artist's gifts are at their acme
At the height of her career
The peak of perfection
Summer was at its peak
...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
The summit of his ambition
So many highest superlatives achieved by man
At the top of his profession
Top
The greatest possible intensity;
He screamed at the top of his lungs
Top
Platform surrounding the head of a lower mast
Top
A conical child's plaything tapering to a steel point on which it can be made to spin;
He got a bright red top and string for his birthday
Top
Covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container);
He removed the top of the carton
He couldn't get the top off of the bottle
Put the cover back on the kettle
Top
A garment (especially for women) that extends from the shoulders to the waist or hips;
He stared as she buttoned her top
Top
A canvas tent to house the audience at a circus performance;
He was afraid of a fire in the circus tent
They had the big top up in less than an hour
Top
Go beyond;
She exceeded our expectations
She topped her performance of last year
Top
Pass by, over, or under without making contact;
The balloon cleared the tree tops
Top
Be at the top of or constitute the top or highest point;
A star tops the Christmas Tree
Top
Be ahead of others; be the first;
She topped her class every year
Top
Provide with a top;
The towers were topped with conical roofs
Top
Reach or ascend the top of;
The hikers topped the mountain just before noon
Top
Strike (the top part of a ball in golf, baseball, or pool) giving it a forward spin
Top
Cut the top off;
Top trees and bushes
Top
Be the culminating event;
The speech crowned the meeting
Top
Finish up or conclude;
They topped off their dinner with a cognac
Top the evening with champagne
Top
Situated at the top or highest position;
The top shelf
Side fences
The side porch
Top
Not to be surpassed;
His top effort
Common Curiosities
Is 'summit' only used for physical geography?
While primarily used for physical geography, 'summit' also refers to high-level diplomatic or leadership meetings.
Can 'top' and 'summit' be used interchangeably?
They are not typically interchangeable as 'summit' is more specific to geographical features and high-level meetings.
What kinds of objects can 'top' refer to?
'Top' can refer to almost any object from a simple table to complex structures like skyscrapers.
How does the use of 'top' in hierarchy differ from 'summit'?
'Top' in hierarchy refers to the highest rank or position, while 'summit' can imply the peak of a career or achievement.
What does 'top-notch' imply?
'Top-notch' implies something of the highest quality or excellent performance.
What does reaching the 'summit' metaphorically mean?
Metaphorically, reaching the 'summit' means achieving the highest point of one's career or efforts.
Are there any specific activities where 'summit' is prominently used?
Yes, in mountaineering, 'summit' is a key term used to describe reaching the highest point of a climb.
What is the main difference between 'top' and 'summit'?
'Top' refers to the highest part of any object, while 'summit' specifically denotes the highest point of a mountain or hill.
How does one 'reach the summit'?
Physically, it involves climbing to the highest point of a mountain. Metaphorically, it refers to achieving the pinnacle of success.
Why is 'summit' used to describe high-level meetings?
The term symbolizes the peak or highest level of diplomatic discussion and decision-making.
Is 'top' related to everyday language more than 'summit'?
Yes, 'top' is more commonly used in everyday language and expressions compared to 'summit'.
Can 'top' be used in both literal and metaphorical senses?
Yes, 'top' is versatile and used in both literal descriptions and various metaphors.
How does 'summit' relate to career achievements?
In careers, reaching the 'summit' can symbolize achieving the highest possible success or recognition in one's field.
What does the phrase 'off the top of my head' mean?
It means to give an immediate response or information without preparation.
How do the connotations of 'top' and 'summit' differ in terms of effort?
'Top' often implies status or position with less focus on the effort, whereas 'summit' emphasizes the journey and effort involved in reaching the peak.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Ignite vs. Light
Next Comparison
Afloat vs. FloatAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
