Phrasal verbs "see off" vs "top off"

Differences between see off and top off

See off means to say goodbye to someone who is leaving, usually at a train station or airport. Top off means to fill something up completely, usually a container or a vehicle.

Meanings and Definitions: see off vs top off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

See off

  • 1Chase somebody or something away.

    A cat came into the back garden but the dog soon SAW it OFF.

  • 2Go to the airport, station, etc., to say goodbye to someone.

    I went to the station to SEE them OFF.

Top off

  • 1Finish something in a special way.

    He complained for an hour and to TOP it OFF started shouting his head off.

Usage Examples: see off, top off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

see off

Example

I will see off my friend at the airport tomorrow.

Example

She sees off her husband at the train station every time he goes on a business trip.

top off

Example

To celebrate their anniversary, they decided to top off the evening with a romantic walk on the beach.

Example

She always tops off her homemade pizza with fresh basil.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of See off

To say goodbye to someone who is leaving.

Example

We went to the airport to bid farewell to our friend who was moving to another country.

To accompany someone who is leaving and say goodbye to them.

Example

We decided to send off our colleague who was retiring with a small party and gifts.

To make a gesture of farewell by waving one's hand.

Example

She stood at the platform and waved goodbye to her parents as the train pulled away.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Top off

To fill something up completely until it reaches the top edge.

Example

She filled the glass to the brim with water and spilled some on the table.

To fill something up to its maximum capacity.

Example

He maxed out the gas tank before starting the long road trip.

top up

To add more of something to fill it up completely.

Example

She topped up her coffee cup with more hot coffee from the pot.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “see”

Phrasal Verbs with “top”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in see off vs top off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: see off or top off?

In daily conversation, people use see off more often than top off. This is because saying goodbye to someone leaving is a common occurrence, while filling something up completely is not as common. Top off is more commonly used in specific contexts such as filling up a gas tank or a coffee cup.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of see off and top off

See off and top off are both informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of see off and top off

The tone of see off and top off can differ based on context. See off often carries a sentimental or emotional tone when saying goodbye to someone, while top off typically has a practical and functional tone, especially when referring to filling up a container or a vehicle.

see off & top off: Synonyms and Antonyms

See off

Synonyms

  • repel
  • bid farewell
  • say goodbye
  • send off
  • chase away
  • scare off

Top off

Synonyms

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