bottom
24 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bottom, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The lowest part of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use bottom
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English botm, going back to a very old Indo-European root meaning "bottom" or "foundation," shared with similar words across many European languages.
Full origin of bottom →Frequently asked questions
What does “bottom” mean?
The word “bottom” means the lowest part of something.
How do you pronounce “bottom”?
“Bottom” is pronounced BO-tuhm (/ˈbɑ.təm/ in IPA).
How do you use “bottom” in a sentence?
Here is “bottom” used in a sentence: “They found the keys at the bottom of her bag.”
What part of speech is “bottom”?
Depending on how it is used, “bottom” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “bottom” come from?
The word “bottom” comes from Old English. From Old English botm, going back to a very old Indo-European root meaning "bottom" or "foundation," shared with similar words across many European languages.
Is “bottom” a common word?
“Bottom” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “bottom” have?
“Bottom” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the lowest part of something.
What is the opposite of 'bottom'?
The direct opposite is 'top', the highest part of something, as in the top and bottom of a page. Depending on context, 'summit', 'peak', or 'surface' can also serve, since the surface of water sits above its bottom and a mountain's peak stands over its base.
What is the difference between 'bottom' and 'base'?
'Bottom' is the lowest part of anything, like the bottom of a lake, a bag, or a page. 'Base' is the part something stands or rests on, suggesting support, like the base of a statue. A base is usually a bottom, but 'bottom' is the broader, more everyday word.
What is an example of 'bottom'?
You will find it in phrases like the bottom of the sea, the bottom of the stairs, the bottom of a page, or the bottom of a glass. In each case it marks the lowest point or underside of something, standing as the opposite of its top.
Can 'bottom' be used as a verb?
Yes, mainly in the phrase 'bottom out', which means to reach the lowest point before recovering, as when prices or a slump bottom out. As a standalone verb it is rare, so most everyday use is as a noun meaning the lowest part of something.