Best vs. Top — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Best implies the highest quality or degree in a comparison, while top refers to the highest position or ranking among others.
Difference Between Best and Top
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "best" is used to denote the highest quality, excellence, or most suitable version of something. It is often used in a comparative sense, indicating that out of a group of options, one stands out due to its superior qualities or suitability for a particular need or preference. "Top," on the other hand, refers to something being at the highest position, either literally, as in physical placement, or figuratively, in terms of rank or status among a group. It emphasizes position over qualities.
When discussing achievements or performance, "best" is subjective, focusing on the quality and how well something meets specific criteria or standards. It's about the optimum choice among alternatives based on a set of conditions or preferences. Conversely, "top" is more objective, often based on measurable factors like scores, sales, or achievements, and signifies leading or being in the foremost position.
In personal preferences or evaluations, "best" reflects a judgment made according to individual or collective criteria that value certain characteristics or outcomes. For example, one might say a particular kind of food is the best because it tastes better to them or meets their health requirements. "Top" in similar contexts might refer to items or individuals that are most popular, highest-selling, or most recommended based on general consensus or statistical evidence.
The usage context of "best" and "top" can also differ significantly. "Best" is more versatile, used in both formal evaluations and personal opinions. It's equally at home in "the best way to bake a cake," reflecting personal expertise or preference, as in "the best student," which might be based on a mix of grades, behavior, and other criteria. "Top," however, is frequently found in contexts where ranking is clear and undisputed, such as "top 10 movies" or "top scorer," where specific metrics are used for ranking.
While "best" and "top" both imply superiority, they cater to different dimensions of assessment. "Best" leans more towards qualitative judgment, whereas "top" is indicative of quantitative ranking. This fundamental difference underscores their respective uses in language to convey excellence, preference, or leadership.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Highest quality or excellence
Highest position or ranking
Focus
Quality, suitability
Position, status
Subjectivity
Often subjective, based on criteria or preference
More objective, based on measurable outcomes
Usage Contexts
Preferences, evaluations, quality assessments
Rankings, listings, physical positions
Examples
Best choice, best performance
Top list, top tier
Compare with Definitions
Best
Surpassing all others in excellence.
She is the best student in her class due to her academic achievements.
Top
Highest in position or rank.
She’s at the top of her class academically.
Best
Superior preference or choice.
For hiking, breathable fabrics are the best.
Top
Most important or prominent.
Health should be our top priority.
Best
Most suitable or desirable.
The best time to plant trees is during the rainy season.
Top
Highest-selling or most popular.
Their latest album hit the top of the charts.
Best
Optimal condition or degree.
He’s at his best when he’s creatively challenged.
Top
Leading or foremost in a field or area.
The company is a top player in the tech industry.
Best
Highest quality based on judgment.
This is the best coffee I've ever tasted.
Top
Situated at the highest point.
The flag waved from the top of the mountain.
Best
Of the most excellent or desirable type or quality
How to obtain the best results from your machine
The best midfielder in the country
Her best black suit
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
Best
To the highest degree; most (used with verbs suggesting a desirable action or state or a successful outcome)
Well-drained soil suits this plant best
You knew him best
They named the pictures they liked best
Top
A lid, cover, or cap
He removed the top from his ballpoint
Beer bottle tops
Best
That which is the most excellent, outstanding, or desirable
This film represents the best of mainstream popular cinema
Buy the best you can afford
Sarah always had to be the best at everything
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
Best
Outwit or get the better of (someone)
She refused to allow herself to be bested
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
Best
Surpassing all others in excellence, achievement, or quality; most excellent
The best performer.
The best grade of ore.
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
Best
Most satisfactory, suitable, or useful; most desirable
The best solution.
The best time for planting.
Top
Short for topspin
Best
Greatest; most
He spoke for the best part of an hour.
Top
A bundle of long wool fibres prepared for spinning.
Best
Most highly skilled
The best doctor in town.
Top
One of six flavours of quark.
Best
In a most excellent way; most creditably or advantageously.
Top
A man who takes the active role in anal intercourse with another man.
Best
To the greatest degree or extent; most
"He was certainly the best hated man in the ship" (W. Somerset Maugham).
Top
A conical, spherical, or pear-shaped toy that with a quick or vigorous twist may be set to spin.
Best
One that surpasses all others.
Top
Used in names of top shells, e.g. strawberry top.
Best
The best part, moment, or value
The best is still to come. Let's get the best out of life.
Top
Highest in position, rank, or degree
The top button of his shirt
A top executive
Best
The optimum condition or quality
Look your best. She was at her best in the freestyle competition.
Top
Furthest away from the speaker or a point of reference
The top end of Fulham Road
Best
One's nicest or most formal clothing.
Top
Exceed (an amount, level, or number); be more than
Losses are expected to top £100 m this year
Best
The supreme effort one can make
Doing our best.
Top
Provide with a top or topping
Toast topped with baked beans
Best
One's warmest wishes or regards
Give them my best.
Top
Reach the top of (a hill or other elevation)
They topped a rise and began a slow descent
Best
To get the better of; beat
"I'm a rough customer, I expect, but I know when I'm bested" (Nathanael West).
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
Best
Most; largest.
Unpacking took the best part of a week.
Top
At the most
Some civil servant earning twenty-eight thousand a year, tops
Best
Most superior; most favorable.
In my opinion, mushrooms are the best pizza toppings.
Top
The uppermost part, point, surface, or end
Wrote on the top of the box.
Best
To the most advantage; with the most success, cause, profit, benefit, or propriety.
Top
The part farthest from a given reference point
Took a jump shot from the top of the key.
Best
(uncountable) The supreme effort one can make, or has made.
I did my best.
My personal best in that race is eighteen minutes, four seconds.
Top
The crown of the head
From top to toe.
Best
(uncountable) One's best behavior.
I was somewhat distant lately, and my lady promised me head every Tuesday of the week when I'm nice to her, so I better be on my best.
Top
The part of a plant, such as a rutabaga, that is above the ground.
Best
(countable) The person (or persons; or thing or things) that is (are) most excellent.
Even the best of us makes mistakes.
We're the best of friends.
Top
Something, such as a lid or cap, that covers or forms an uppermost part.
Best
To surpass in skill or achievement.
Top
A garment worn on the upper half of the body.
Best
(transitive) To beat in a contest.
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.
Best
Had best.
It's getting late. You best get on home.
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).
Best
Having good qualities in the highest degree; most good, kind, desirable, suitable, etc.; most excellent; as, the best man; the best road; the best cloth; the best abilities.
When he is best, he is a little worse than a man.
Heaven's last, best gift, my ever new delight.
Top
The highest position or rank
At the top of his profession.
Best
Most advanced; most correct or complete; as, the best scholar; the best view of a subject.
Top
A person in this position.
Best
Most; largest; as, the best part of a week.
Top
(Games) The highest card or cards in a suit or hand.
Best
Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing, or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our ability.
Top
The best part.
Best
In the highest degree; beyond all others.
He prayeth best, who loveth bestAll things both great and small.
Top
The earliest part or beginning
She played the piece again, from the top.
Best
To the most advantage; with the most success, case, profit, benefit, or propriety.
Had we best retire? I see a storm.
Had I not best go to her?
Top
(Baseball) The first half of an inning.
Best
Most intimately; most thoroughly or correctly; as, what is expedient is best known to himself.
Top
A stroke that lands above the center of a ball, as in golf or tennis, giving it a forward spin.
Best
To get the better of.
Top
A forward spin on a ball resulting from such a stroke.
Best
The supreme effort one can make;
They did their best
Top
A toy having one end tapered to a point, allowing it to be spun, as by suddenly pulling a string wound around it.
Best
The person who is most outstanding or excellent; someone who tops all others;
He could beat the best of them
Top
Situated at the top
The top shelf.
Best
Canadian physiologist (born in the United States) who assisted F. G. Banting in research leading to the discovery of insulin (1899-1978)
Top
Of the highest degree, quality, rank, or amount
In top form.
The top ten bestsellers.
Best
Get the better of;
The goal was to best the competition
Top
In a position of preeminence
The top historian in her department.
Best
(superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities;
The best film of the year
The best solution
The best time for planting
Wore his best suit
Top
To form, furnish with, or serve as a top
Topped the ice cream with jimmies.
Best
(comparative and superlative of `well') wiser or more advantageous and hence advisable;
It would be better to speak to him
The White House thought it best not to respond
Top
To reach or go over the top of
The car topped the hill.
Best
In a most excellent way or manner;
He played best after a couple of martinis
Top
To exceed or surpass
The car's speed topped 80 miles an hour. Her performance really topped his.
Best
It would be sensible;
You'd best stay at home
Top
To be at the head of
She topped her class.
Best
From a position of superiority or authority;
Father knows best
I know better.
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
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
(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
Can "best" and "top" be used interchangeably?
While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, they have distinct nuances, with "best" focusing on quality and "top" on position or ranking.
How do personal preferences affect what is considered the "best"?
Personal preferences significantly influence what is considered the "best," as individual tastes, needs, and values play a crucial role in determining superiority.
How is "top" determined in rankings?
"Top" is determined by measurable factors like performance, sales, or popularity, placing someone or something at the highest rank or position.
What role does data play in determining the "top"?
Data plays a critical role in determining the "top," as rankings are often based on quantitative measures such as sales, scores, or statistics.
Can a product be the "best" without being at the "top" of sales charts?
Yes, a product can be the "best" in terms of quality or suitability without being at the "top" of sales charts, which measure popularity or volume.
Does the "top" position always imply the highest quality?
The "top" position indicates the highest ranking or status but does not always imply the highest quality, as rankings can be based on various factors.
How is the "best" way to do something determined?
The "best" way to do something is often determined by efficiency, effectiveness, or outcomes, influenced by expert opinions, research, or personal experience.
What defines something as the "best"?
The "best" is defined by superiority in quality, performance, or suitability based on specific criteria or preferences.
Is the "best" choice always the "top" choice?
Not necessarily; the "best" choice is subjective and depends on personal or specific criteria, while the "top" choice refers to an objective ranking or position.
How do industries determine the "top" companies or products?
Industries determine the "top" companies or products based on criteria such as market share, innovation, revenue, or consumer reviews.
Is the "top" choice always the most expensive?
The "top" choice is not always the most expensive; it depends on the criteria for ranking, which can include value, efficiency, or popularity, not just price.
What makes a "top" performer in a workplace?
A "top" performer in a workplace is typically determined by productivity, contributions to team goals, and overall impact on the organization's success.
How do cultural differences affect perceptions of the "best"?
Cultural differences can greatly affect perceptions of the "best," as values, tastes, and priorities vary widely across different cultures.
Can the "best" and "top" change over time?
Yes, what is considered the "best" and "top" can change over time due to evolving standards, technologies, and consumer preferences.
How do reviews influence what is considered the "best"?
Reviews can significantly influence what is considered the "best" by providing insights into user experiences, quality, and satisfaction.
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Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
