Phrasal verbs "top off" vs "wear off"

Differences between top off and wear off

Top off means to add a small amount of something to fill a container to the top, while wear off means for something to gradually disappear or diminish over time.

Meanings and Definitions: top off vs wear off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Top off

  • 1Finish something in a special way.

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

Wear off

  • 1Stop having an effect.

    The anaesthetic WORE OFF and my tooth started hurting.

Usage Examples: top off, wear off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

wear off

Example

The pain relief from the medicine will wear off in a few hours.

Example

The excitement of the new toy wears off quickly for children.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Top off

To fill a container completely to the top.

Example

She filled the glass to the brim with water before adding ice cubes.

top up

To add a small amount of something to fill a container to the top.

Example

He topped up his coffee cup with milk before leaving the kitchen.

To reach the highest point or level of something.

Example

The stock market topped out at an all-time high last week.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear off

To gradually disappear or diminish over time.

Example

The pain from the injury faded away after a few days of rest.

To stop having the desired or expected impact.

Example

The medication lost its effect after a few weeks, and the patient had to switch to a different treatment.

To become smaller, weaker, or less important over time.

Example

The excitement from the party diminished as the night went on, and people started to leave.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “top”

Phrasal Verbs with “wear”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: top off or wear off?

In daily conversation, people use wear off more often than top off. This is because wear off is used for a variety of situations such as the effects of medication, emotions, or physical sensations. Top off is less common and mainly used when referring to filling up a container.

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

Top off and wear off are both informal phrases suitable for everyday conversations. However, top off may be used in more formal settings when referring to filling up a container with a specific amount of liquid.

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

The tone of top off and wear off can differ based on context. Top off typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to adding a small amount of liquid to a container. Wear off can have a neutral or negative tone, depending on the situation. For example, the phrase can be used to describe the gradual disappearance of positive emotions or the diminishing effect of medication.

top off & wear off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Top off

Synonyms

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