le
/tɔp/
Translation
go, now (starting signal); the best; a top (garment)
Word origin
The signal sense (le top horaire, the radio time pip) is onomatopoeic, imitating a short sharp sound, and is attested from the late nineteenth century. The senses 'the best' (c'est le top) and the item of clothing are later borrowings from English top.
- Origin
- Onomatopoeic, later reinforced by English
- Root
- top
- English cognates
- top
Grammar
Examples
, c' !
Go, we're off!
, chronomètre.
On my signal, you start the stopwatch.
, c' .
That little restaurant really is the best.
.
She put on a white top and jeans.
horaire .
The time signal sounds every hour on the radio.
Where this fits
Used in
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top: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the French word "top" (go, now (starting signal); the best; a top (garment)): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 35.